Establishing transnational hydrogen pipeline networks is a critical component of the emerging global hydrogen economy. Such infrastructure could enable the efficient transport of hydrogen from production hubs to demand centers, supporting decarbonization efforts across industries and regions. However, the feasibility of these networks depends on overcoming technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges while leveraging lessons from existing and proposed projects.
Europe is at the forefront of transnational hydrogen pipeline development. The European Hydrogen Backbone initiative aims to repurpose existing natural gas pipelines and construct new dedicated hydrogen pipelines, targeting a network spanning over 40,000 kilometers by 2040. Key corridors include connections between Germany and neighboring countries, as well as links to potential hydrogen exporters like Norway and North Africa. Another notable project is the H2Med pipeline, proposed to transport green hydrogen from the Iberian Peninsula to France and onward to Central Europe. These projects demonstrate a regional commitment to hydrogen infrastructure but also highlight the complexities of cross-border coordination.
North Africa-to-Europe hydrogen pipelines present a promising opportunity due to North Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources, which can produce low-cost green hydrogen. Proposals such as the SoutH2 Corridor envision pipelines connecting Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco to Southern Europe. However, these projects face significant hurdles, including the need for massive investments in hydrogen production facilities and pipeline construction. Additionally, the long-distance transport of hydrogen requires careful consideration of energy losses and compression costs.
Technical challenges are a major barrier to transnational hydrogen pipelines. Material compatibility is a critical issue, as hydrogen can cause embrittlement in certain steels and welds used in natural gas pipelines. While existing gas pipelines can sometimes be repurposed for hydrogen, this requires thorough assessment and potential modifications. High-strength steels and composite materials may be necessary for new pipelines to withstand hydrogen’s properties. Pressure management is another challenge, as hydrogen’s low energy density necessitates higher pressures or larger volumes to transport equivalent energy compared to natural gas. Compressor stations must be adapted or newly built to handle hydrogen’s unique characteristics.
Geopolitical and regulatory barriers further complicate transnational pipeline development. Cross-border projects require alignment between nations on safety standards, environmental regulations, and market rules. The lack of harmonized international standards for hydrogen pipelines increases uncertainty for investors and operators. Geopolitical tensions can also disrupt infrastructure planning, particularly in regions with historical conflicts or competing energy interests. For example, reliance on hydrogen imports from politically unstable regions could replicate the vulnerabilities seen in natural gas supply chains.
Economic viability remains uncertain without stable demand and price signals. Hydrogen pipeline projects require billions in investment, and their profitability depends on long-term offtake agreements and supportive policies. The cost of transporting hydrogen via pipelines varies with distance and scale, but economies of scale have yet to be fully realized. Competition with alternative transport methods, such as shipping hydrogen-derived ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers, adds another layer of complexity.
Despite these challenges, transnational hydrogen pipelines offer advantages over other transport methods for certain scenarios. Pipelines provide continuous flow, making them suitable for large-scale, steady demand. They also avoid the energy penalties associated with hydrogen conversion and reconversion, as required for some carrier-based transport. For regions with established gas pipeline networks, repurposing infrastructure could reduce costs and accelerate deployment.
The success of transnational hydrogen pipelines will depend on coordinated action among governments, industry, and regulatory bodies. Policymakers must create enabling frameworks that address cross-border cooperation, funding mechanisms, and risk-sharing models. Industry players need to invest in pilot projects and research to refine pipeline technologies and operational practices. International organizations can facilitate dialogue to harmonize standards and foster trust among nations.
Comparing existing and proposed projects reveals common themes. Europe’s approach emphasizes repurposing infrastructure and gradual expansion, while North Africa-to-Europe projects focus on leveraging renewable energy potential. Both face technical and geopolitical hurdles but benefit from regional commitments to hydrogen as a decarbonization tool. The scalability of these models to other regions, such as Asia or North America, will depend on local conditions and collaboration.
In conclusion, transnational hydrogen pipeline networks are technically feasible but require overcoming significant challenges. Material science advancements, regulatory alignment, and geopolitical stability are essential for progress. Existing projects provide valuable insights, but broader implementation will demand sustained investment and international cooperation. The role of such pipelines in the global hydrogen economy will ultimately hinge on their ability to deliver cost-competitive, reliable hydrogen while navigating complex cross-border dynamics.