The development of international hydrogen pipeline networks is a critical component of the emerging global hydrogen economy. Cross-border hydrogen trade via pipelines offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for transporting large volumes of hydrogen over long distances, enabling regions with abundant renewable energy resources to supply hydrogen to energy-intensive industrial hubs. Key projects such as the European Hydrogen Backbone and initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region demonstrate the growing momentum behind hydrogen pipeline infrastructure. However, geopolitical, regulatory, and technical challenges must be addressed to realize a fully interconnected global hydrogen network.

Europe is at the forefront of hydrogen pipeline development, with the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative leading the way. This project aims to repurpose existing natural gas pipelines and construct new dedicated hydrogen pipelines to create an extensive network spanning over 40,000 kilometers by 2040. The backbone will connect major hydrogen production centers in Northern and Southern Europe with demand clusters in industrial regions such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Countries like Spain, with high solar potential, and Norway, with abundant hydropower, are expected to become key exporters, while Central Europe will rely on imports to meet decarbonization targets. The European Union has prioritized regulatory harmonization and funding mechanisms to accelerate deployment, with the revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) regulation now including hydrogen infrastructure.

In the Asia-Pacific region, hydrogen pipeline projects are gaining traction as countries explore ways to meet growing energy demand while reducing emissions. Australia, with its vast renewable resources, is positioning itself as a major hydrogen exporter, with proposed pipelines to supply markets in Japan and South Korea. Japan has initiated feasibility studies for international hydrogen supply chains, including pipelines from neighboring regions. Meanwhile, China is investing in domestic hydrogen pipeline networks as part of its national hydrogen strategy, with potential future extensions to Central Asia and Southeast Asia. These projects are supported by bilateral agreements, such as the Australia-Japan Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) pilot, which could serve as a model for larger-scale pipeline trade.

Geopolitical considerations play a significant role in shaping hydrogen pipeline networks. The reliance on hydrogen imports may create new interdependencies between nations, similar to current oil and gas trade dynamics. Exporting countries with stable political environments and strong renewable energy potential, such as Australia and Chile, are likely to become key players. However, concerns over energy security and supply diversification may influence importers to develop multiple supply routes or domestic production capabilities. Regional collaborations, such as the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, aim to leverage collective resources for hydrogen exports, while avoiding over-dependence on single suppliers.

Regulatory coordination is essential for cross-border hydrogen pipelines. Differences in safety standards, permitting processes, and market regulations can create barriers to seamless trade. The European Union is addressing this through the Hydrogen and Decarbonized Gas Market Package, which establishes common rules for hydrogen infrastructure and market operation. In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region lacks a unified regulatory framework, requiring bilateral or multilateral agreements to harmonize standards. The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) is working to facilitate international regulatory alignment, but progress remains slow due to varying national priorities.

Technical challenges also pose significant hurdles for hydrogen pipeline networks. Hydrogen’s low density and small molecular size increase the risk of leakage and embrittlement in pipeline materials. Existing natural gas pipelines can be repurposed for hydrogen transport, but this requires upgrades to valves, compressors, and monitoring systems. New pipelines must be constructed with materials resistant to hydrogen-induced cracking, such as high-grade steel or composites. Additionally, hydrogen blending into natural gas pipelines, currently practiced in some regions, is limited to low concentrations (typically below 20%) due to compatibility issues with end-use equipment. Dedicated hydrogen pipelines are necessary for large-scale pure hydrogen trade.

Intergovernmental agreements are crucial for enabling cross-border hydrogen pipeline projects. The European Hydrogen Backbone relies on cooperation between national grid operators and governments to align planning and investment timelines. Similarly, the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor involves multiple countries collaborating on infrastructure development. Outside Europe, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation includes hydrogen as a priority area, fostering regional dialogue on pipeline connectivity. Long-term offtake agreements between exporters and importers, such as those being negotiated between Australia and Japan, provide the financial certainty needed to justify pipeline investments.

Standardization is another critical factor for global hydrogen trade. The lack of uniform standards for hydrogen purity, pressure levels, and measurement methods complicates cross-border transactions. Organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are developing global hydrogen standards, but adoption varies by region. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has advanced its own standards, which may conflict with those emerging in Asia or North America. Harmonizing these standards will require sustained international collaboration, particularly under frameworks like the G7 Hydrogen Action Pact.

Economic viability remains a challenge for hydrogen pipeline networks. The cost of building new pipelines or retrofitting existing ones is substantial, and demand for hydrogen must reach sufficient scale to justify these investments. Current projections suggest that hydrogen pipelines will become competitive with other transport methods, such as shipping liquid hydrogen or ammonia, for distances under 4,000 kilometers. However, this depends on achieving low-cost renewable hydrogen production, which is still in development. Public-private partnerships and blended finance mechanisms are being explored to de-risk early-stage projects.

The role of hydrogen pipelines in global energy systems will depend on overcoming these challenges while capitalizing on regional strengths. Europe’s integrated approach, combining infrastructure planning with regulatory reform, provides a template for other regions. Asia’s focus on bilateral partnerships highlights the importance of tailored solutions in diverse markets. As technology advances and international cooperation deepens, hydrogen pipeline networks could become the backbone of a decarbonized global energy system, enabling the efficient and sustainable trade of clean hydrogen across borders. The success of pioneering projects will set the precedent for broader adoption, shaping the future of hydrogen as a globally traded commodity.