This project was able to create an initial basis for the planning, construction, and operation of hydrogen pipeline systems. An overview of current pipeline construction activities in Europe was presented. Basically, it can be stated that hydrogen pipelines, and by extension hydrogen networks, can be designed, built, and operated according to the basic principles of gas infrastructure. European standardisation in the field of gas infrastructure is also already on the way to extending the existing standards to hydrogen.
The SVGW recommendation H1000 on the planning, construction and operation of hydrogen pipeline systems summarises the technical principles. These technical principles are based on experience from existing hydrogen and gas infrastructures and the standards and regulations derived from them, as well as factor in national and international legislation in the technical field. The current state of knowledge from research as well as practical experience from concrete implementations in Switzerland and abroad were also included. The H1000 can now be used for current projects with pipeline transport of hydrogen.
The feasibility study reveals the fundamental issues relating to the design of hydrogen pipeline systems. On the one hand, it shows the various options for material selection and pressure level, as well as the considerations for the routing. For pipelines that connect the production directly to the user, the choice must be made as to whether the conditions are precisely matched to the conditions or whether a later expandability with a connection to another hydrogen network is already considered.
As soon as there are fundamental changes in legislation and/or standardisation/regulations, the SVGW recommendation H1000 will be updated and expanded if necessary. In the longer term, the aim is to develop a guideline for the planning, construction, and operation of hydrogen pipework systems with specific requirements for pipeline construction, such as safety distances. Further work and clarifications still need to be carried out in cooperation with authorities and other associations. The H1000 can be used as a basis for the creation of guidelines for the hydrogen infrastructures. Any additional requirements for hydrogen in the gas infrastructure will also be updated in the existing SVGW regulations as required. Today, SVGW Guideline G18 on gas quality already contains the purity requirements for hydrogen. And SVGW Guideline G13 on the injection of renewable gases has permitted the injection of hydrogen into the gas network for years.