Energy consultancy Penspen has been awarded a contract to explore blending hydrogen into a Latvian natural gas grid.
Having been awarded the contract by Conexus Baltic Grid, the consultancy will assess the feasibility of blending hydrogen into the firm’s existing natural gas pipeline network.
Penspen will conduct studies to assess and offer recommendations to mitigate the effects of hydrogen embrittlement on steel pipelines, as well as look at how the energy carrier might interact with existing defects.
Due to hydrogen’s small molecular size, it can enter the structure of materials and cause embrittlement and cracks. These issues can begin to occur even in blending when as little as 1% hydrogen is introduced.
However, Penspen seems confident it will be able to support the Latvian operator in ensuring the safe transition to hydrogen.
“The project scope aligns well with our materials engineering and pipeline analysis core strengths, as well as our extensive knowledge of pipes from that age and region,” said Ali Alani, Director of Asset Integrity at Penspen.
Conexus Project Manager, Rolands Trenko, added, “Together, we’re setting a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future and furthering the transition to cleaner energy sources.”
Aside from the safety considerations of hydrogen blending, however, the pathway’s environmental benefits could be limited.
Due to hydrogen’s molecular weight, a 20% blend would represent around just 7% in terms of energy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), blending natural gas with 20% hydrogen would deliver a 7% carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction.
Read more:Hydrogen blending: A balance of benefits
Despite this, IRENA said blending could support hydrogen production by providing a secure offtake route while large-scale applications remain nascent.
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