TAP gas pipeline examining possibility to blend in hydrogen

Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) selected Penspen to evaluate the feasibility of introducing hydrogen blends into existing infrastructure. The move follows a 2021 study, which had encouraging results.

TAP has hired energy consultancy Penspen for hydrogen gap analysis services, aimed at evaluating the readiness of the infrastructure to integrate hydrogen.

Notably, TAP’s Head of External Affairs and Social and Environmental Investment (SEI) Vugar Veysalov said last year at Belgrade Energy Forum that efforts were underway to enable adding a share of renewable and low-carbon gases into the pipeline. The first hydrogen readiness study, conducted in 2021, had encouraging results. No particular ratio or ratios were revealed for the upcoming examination.

TAP began regular operations at the end of 2020

Penspen’s engineering team based in the United Kingdom got a task to conduct a comprehensive desktop and field assessment review of TAP’s above ground installations, block valves and compressor stations. It needs to determine the feasibility of introducing hydrogen blends to the existing gas pipeline.

TAP’s strategy is to expand to hydrogen and renewable gases to foster long-term sustainability and decarbonization in its region, according to the update. With the new assessment, it intends to ensure safe and sustainable hydrogen blending while maintaining safety and reliability.

The 877-kilometer pipeline connects to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border and reaches the gas network in southern Italy via Albania and the Adriatic Sea. Fully operational since the end of 2020, TAP is part of the Southern Gas Corridor.

TAP can contribute to Europe’s efforts to reach climate neutrality

TAP has the potential to become a significant contributor to Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality, according to the pipeline operator’s Managing Director Luca Schieppati. “Evaluating whether our above-ground installations are hydrogen-ready for hydrogen blending with natural gas, with the support of an experienced supplier like Penspen, is an important step in this broader process,” he added.

To comply with the European Union’s so-called sustainable taxonomy, all projects for gas infrastructure must enable a switch to 100% hydrogen. In the meantime, transmission and distribution operators are testing or already regularly adding hydrogen in a small percentage.

The EU has massive support schemes for green hydrogen, though its uptake and the creation of a market have been very slow. Almost all hydrogen is still produced directly from fossil gas. It is provisionally labeled gray. If carbon dioxide emissions are captured and (permanently) stored in the process, it’s called blue hydrogen. The technology is also a long way from adequate efficiency rates and economic viability.

Green hydrogen is obtained from water, through electrolysis, powered by renewable energy.

Hydrogen introduction would spur investments in Balkans

Using its in-house infrastructure repurposing experience, Penspen enhances access to lower-carbon fuels, according to the firm’s Energy Transition Director Darren Bartlett.

“Hydrogen enablement of strategic transportation infrastructure is a key factor for long-term regional decarbonisation. Supporting the introduction of hydrogen into a major pipeline will promote hydrogen generation projects in Southeastern Europe, as well as a multitude of hydrogen use opportunities,” the project’s manager Angus Reid from Penspen asserted.

Last month, the consultancy said it would provide hydrogen blend feasibility and integrity services to Latvian gas operator Conexus Baltic Grid’s network. The firm also delivered hydrogen readiness assessments down to component level, for up to 100% hydrogen blends, to Portuguese national gas transmission operator REN-Gasodutos, and engineering services for the design of nine hydrogen blending stations.

Of note, TAP is still delivering some 30% less gas than before a breakdown at Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz field. The full restoration of quantities was announced for January 11, after which it was delayed to January 15 and then to January 19.