The GreenH2Pipes consortium examines the possibility of promoting hydrogen transportation via existing infrastructure
Energy companies and research centres join forces to promote the generation, injection and future transportation of hydrogen via the existing gas network in Spain, as well as its storage.
Coordinated by Enagás, the initiative consists of three different lines of action which cover the whole hydrogen value chain.
A consortium comprising 8 companies (AMES, Estamp, Enagás, Exolum, H2Greem, H2Site, Nano4Energy and Rovalma) and 6 research centres (CEIT, Centro Nacional de Hidrógeno–CNH2, CSIC, ITECAM, Tekniker and Rovira i Virgili-URV University) has created the GreenH2Pipes project to promote the research and the required technological developments to boost hydrogen production, its transportation via the gas network and storage based on liquid organic carriers.
The project, which is coordinated by Enagás, will contribute to facilitating the decarbonisation of the energy system and consists of three different lines of action covering the whole hydrogen value chain: from hydrogen generation to its subsequent injection, transportation and storage.
Lines of research
The first line of action consists of researching new materials and processes to manufacture a new generation of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysers, which will allow a reduction in manufacturing costs while maintaining efficiency and durability. The companies and research centres involved in this stage of the project will be Estamp, H2Greem, Nano4Energy and Rovalma, together with the CEIT, CNH2, CSIC, ITECAM and Tekniker.
The second line of action aims to remove barriers for hydrogen injection into the gas network. It also envisages the conceptual design of a hydrogen injection plant and the construction of a test loop (HyLoop) at the Enagás Metrology and Innovation Centre in Zaragoza which, together with different tests for material characterisation, will make it possible to ascertain the suitability of gas networks for transporting hydrogen.
Methods to ensure the quality of injected hydrogen and technologies for separating hydrogen and gas will also be validated at this stage. In addition, artificial intelligence will be developed to optimise the operation of power-to-gas plants (facilities that convert electricity into hydrogen) and facilitate sector coupling of the power grid and the gas network. This stage of the project will be led by Enagás Transporte and H2Site, together with CNH2, Tekniker and Rovira i Virgili University.
The third and last line of action in GreenH2Pipes, which will be driven by Exolum and CNH2, consists of the development of new materials to manufacture catalysers that favour the storage of hydrogen in liquid form through its combination with organic carriers or LOHC (Liquid organic hydrogen carriers).
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe. However, it is rarely found in its molecular form in nature, but rather in combination with other elements. Therefore, it has to be produced artificially for industrial use. As an energy vector that does not generate greenhouse gases, it favours the decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult to electrify.
For hydrogen to be ‘green’ it must be produced from 100% renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which will then be used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Innovation for decarbonisation
The project has received public funding from the 2021 Science and Innovation Missions programme of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) in December 2021.
It strengthens the respective decarbonisation strategies of the promoting companies and research centres and is aligned with the technological objectives of the European Hydrogen Strategy.