Hydrogen distribution and transportation

Once produced, hydrogen must be transported and stored for its subsequent use. Given the characteristics of this gas, i.e. flammability, low density, and ease of dispersion in the air, analyses and studies are still underway on the hypothesis of using existing infrastructures or their functional conversion for the passage of hydrogen.

But once the configuration of hydrogen distribution networks is completed, hydrogen will be transported directly to its point of use, avoiding expensive storage in pressurized tanks or even more in liquid form.

Analyses and studies conducted by Kiwa

Studies conducted by Kiwa at Netbeheer Nederland and as part of the Leeds H21 City Gate project by Kiwa UK, show that existing gas networks can be reused to distribute hydrogen, with some adaptations:

The transition from natural gas to hydrogen will require new gas meters and central heating boilers/hybrid heat pumps specifically designed.
Installers of gas appliances will need training to install Hydrogen appliances.
Hydrogen will require odorization so that gas leaks can be easily detected.
Materials research will be necessary on network components to ensure they are not adversely affected by hydrogen.

The goal is to achieve complete decarbonization by providing new energy solutions to current natural gas users, in the domestic, industrial, and commercial sectors.

Kiwa services for Hydrogen distribution and transportation

Kiwa, thanks to our experience in the gas sector and our wide knowledge obtained in the recent years at national and international level, can support the hydrogen distribution and transportation sector and the related infrastructures through the following services:

Testing, Inspection and Certification of products and components for the distribution and transport of Hydrogen
Testing and Certification Gastec QA KE 214 for components suitable for the use of Hydrogen
Pressure Equipment Directive, (PED)
Testing - Hydrogen Metering
Non-destructive testing
Pre-assessment analysis for the use of components for Hydrogen distribution and transport (new NG networks and retrofits of existing ones)
Independent verifications on safety provisions for the management of Hydrogen networks
Testing of materials compatibility with Hydrogen: permeation of materials, transport systems and applications, chemical compatibility of polymers, elastomers, rubbers, metals
Safety analyses and test for working with Hydrogen tools and equipment
Full-scale testing of Hydrogen operational issues
Economic and technical feasibility studies in the field of Hydrogen networks
Technical-financial audits aimed at identifying risks and opportunities of projects for the construction or conversion of Hydrogen distribution and transport networks
Environmental safety of hydrogen plants
Risks Assessments for hydrogen projects
Gas network conversion and retrofitting

Kiwa's Hydrogen Capability Statement

Read more about Kiwa's hydrogen services in our capability statement!

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