SHIMMER project partner Polytechnic University of Turin has published a paper, “Evaluating hydrogen transport scenarios at the Sicily gateway: Technical analysis of hydrogen-blended natural gas and dedicated hydrogen pipelines”, written by Marco Cavana, Angelo Spadavecchia, Luisa Di Francesco, and Pierluigi Leone. The research provides valuable insights into which is the most effective way to integrate hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure: blended into natural gas networks as a transitional solution, or repurposing current pipelines to create dedicated hydrogen corridors. Through simulations of the Sicily gateway -a strategic energy corridor in Southern Europe- compares two realistic scenarios: blending 20% hydrogen into the natural gas network and repurposing one existing pipeline into a dedicated hydrogen backbone.
The findings indicate that hydrogen blending can facilitate the initial deployment of hydrogen infrastructure, but its potential is inherently limited. Transport capacity remains relatively low, at around 0.7 million tonnes per year, while gas velocities exceed typical operational thresholds, highlighting technical constraints that could affect network performance.
Repurposing a pipeline for the transport of pure hydrogen, on the other hand, delivers significantly better results. According to the simulations, a dedicated hydrogen pipeline can achieve up to three times the transport capacity of the blending scenario while enabling the delivery of hydrogen in its pure form. However, this strategy also involves a trade-off, as converting a single pipeline reduces the natural gas transport capacity of the Southern Corridor by approximately 30%, underlining the need to carefully balance today’s energy demands with future decarbonisation goals.
The study also identifies operating pressure as a critical factor influencing hydrogen transport performance. The simulations show that pressure reductions have a significant negative impact on transport capacity and overall network efficiency, reinforcing the importance of pressure management in future hydrogen infrastructure. The paper provides valuable guidance for policymakers, network operators, and researchers working to define the optimal pathway for integrating hydrogen into Europe’s energy system, contributing to the ongoing discussion on the future of Europe’s gas networks. You can read the study by clicking here.
