For the transportation of hydrogen, the existing natural gas infrastructure will play a significant role. In the future, hydrogen will reach consumers via pipelines that were previously used for natural gas. The European Hydrogen Backbone initiative has also drafted a proposal for a dedicated hydrogen pipeline infrastructure focusing to a large extent on re-purposed natural gas pipelines.
In the course of the HyGrid² project, the first Austrian natural gas steel pipeline section will be re-purposed for hydrogen transport and upgraded to a demonstration facility. The former natural gas pipeline will be operated with pure hydrogen at real-life conditions to gain knowledge for practical applications.
The special challenge in the rededication lies in the requirements for the cleanliness of the pipelines. For existing pipelines that are converted to transport hydrogen, the previous use is relevant and has an impact on the quality. In addition, the network section was operated with odorized gas, i.e. gas mixed with odor-intensive substances. Furthermore, the material suitability of the existing infrastructure for hydrogen transport must be verified. Here, in contrast to natural gas, so-called “hydrogen embrittlement” can occur, i.e. diffusion and dissolution of hydrogen in the microstructure of metal pipes.

Presentation of the project