RINA, AFRY joint study finds Gulf-to-Europe hydrogen pipeline feasible
Initial results of a joint study conducted by the classification society RINA and engineering firm AFRY demonstrate the “Gulf's immense potential as a cost-effective source of low-carbon hydrogen for Europe.”
PHOTO: The potential Gulf-to-Europe hydrogen pipeline. RINA
The Gulf region has the potential to become “a leading global producer of green and blue hydrogen, ammonia and other synthesis products” due to its abundant renewable energy resources and natural gas reserves, RINA says.
The initial assessment of the potential hydrogen pipeline connecting “Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and traversing the Mediterranean Sea to Europe” indicates feasibility, it adds.
The study estimates that the pipeline could transport 2.5 million mt/year of hydrogen, and the transport capacity can be scaled up significantly with construction of additional pipelines of similar nature.
Recent geopolitical issues have compelled Europe to look for energy alternatives. These include the EastMed Natural Gas project that intends to connect the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe by a pipeline, and exporting hydrogen and its synthesis products from the Gulf to Europe by ship. However, these options “may not be most efficient for bulk transport,” RINA observes.
Meanwhile, a pipeline project “from the Gulf region in the near future could provide a viable and powerful complement,” RINA says.
The European Commission has proposed to produce 10 million mt of renewable hydrogen by 2030 and to import the same quantity by then.
“This first-of-its-kind study considers routing alternatives, technical parameters and feasibility, especially for the deep-sea pipeline section, geo-strategic framework conditions and top-level economic estimates of a direct hydrogen pipeline link between the Gulf and Europe as an element of an integrated green energy and industry system across Europe and MENA. The findings of the study represent a decisive contribution to boost the hydrogen economy,” RINA’s vice president Andrea Bombardi says.
By Tuhin Roy
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