Pipeline safety breakthrough a milestone for China's energy transition

China has achieved a major technological breakthrough in high-pressure hydrogen pipeline safety on Wednesday, following a successful full-scale physical venting test.

The test, organized and implemented by China Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Corp, involved the country's first 10-megapascal (MPa) high-pressure hydrogen pipeline, utilizing a DN250mm riser size.

The success of the test signals a significant technical advancement in the field of safe high-pressure hydrogen pipeline venting in China, the company said.

Hydrogen, a clean energy source characterized by its zero-carbon properties and high energy density, is a key component of China's energy transition strategy. Long-distance hydrogen transmission pipelines are considered the most optimal route for future large-scale green hydrogen storage and cross-regional transport.

Safe venting is a crucial step in ensuring facility safety during pipeline transportation, storage, and maintenance operations.

The trial provides critical data support and engineering basis for the safe design of newly constructed pure hydrogen pipelines and the conversion of existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport in China, it said.

Furthermore, the successful experiment lays a crucial foundation for establishing China's own technical standards for hydrogen pipeline venting, helping to improve the country's hydrogen energy storage and transportation standards system and promote coordinated development of the industry chain.