Hydrogen Pipeline Build-Out Faces Uncertainty Despite Global Momentum

TYLER CAMPBELL, Editor-in-Chief, Pipeline & Gas Journal

Hydrogen (H2) is considered a potential emerging cornerstone of the global clean energy transition, but its utilization depends on transport and storage, as well as production methods and technologies. Unlike electricity, which travels instantly over wires, H2 requires dedicated transport networks, and pipelines are shaping up to be the backbone of this system.

Today, dedicated H2 pipelines are already in operation and under development globally, primarily across Europe, North America and Asia. Ambitious plans like the European Hydrogen Backbone aim to develop thousands of miles of repurposed and new pipelines by 2030 to connect H2 producers with industrial clusters and export hubs. However, there have been build-out challenges and despite the number of announcements, execution has been limited.

Regardless of the uncertainty, there has been progress over the past few months. In the Netherlands, progress is visible, with the filing of the first section of Rotterdam’s planned H2 network. In addition, StreamTec has partnered with Worley on the AquaDuctus offshore H2 pipeline project in the German North Sea. This Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)-backed initiative is designed to transport green H2 produced from offshore wind into mainland markets. Finally, new transmission capacity is opening up in Denmark, as Energinet has begun selling capacity on its first national H2 transmission pipeline.

In the UK, Cadent Energy has selected DNV for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of its proposed H2East H2 pipeline, which will link production sites to key industrial demand centers in eastern England. Wales & West Utilities has launched a feasibility study for a dedicated H2 pipeline and storage network in southwest England, aiming to support local decarbonization and future H2 supply networks. Also worth noting, in the Middle East, Oman has announced plans for a 248-mi H2 pipeline network to connect green H2 production hubs with industrial facilities and export terminals.

Despite the steady stream of announcements, the future of H2 pipelines remains uncertain. Many projects are still in feasibility or early engineering stages, and their progress depends on demand commitments, policy frameworks and continued investment. Until production scales and offtakers lock in long-term contracts, much of the momentum remains unstable.