PNGRB, World Bank studying pathways for transmission of Hydrogen via gas pipelines

New Delhi: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has joined hands with the World Bank and initiated a study to develop pathways for transmission of Hydrogen in natural gas pipelines both on its own and as Hydrogen blended with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). “Recognising the potential impact of Hydrogen blending in the Natural Gas sector, PNGRB in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated a study to develop pathways for Hydrogen transmission in natural gas pipelines and City Gas Distribution networks,” PNGRB said in a statement on Friday.

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The study comprises of mapping demand and supply of Hydrogen, Technical Assessment of the existing pipeline network for its compatibility, commercial assessment of the pipeline sector, identifying bottlenecks in of policy and regulatory framework and framing of roadmap milestones till 2040 for expeditious implementation of Hydrogen-blending in India.

Hydrogen transmission via pipelines: Study to conclude in 2 months

The complete study is expected to be concluded in a couple of months, said PNGRB. The regulatory watchdog added that it is also planning to organise a mega-stakeholder interaction in January 2024 to gather inputs from various stakeholders involved in Hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and blending.

“Under the initiative of National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Government of India has taken significant steps to promote Hydrogen as a vital component of its clean energy agenda. The Natural gas pipelines network has the potential for transporting Hydrogen from producing locations to consumption areas, and the use of Hydrogen-blended Natural Gas in City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks reduces emissions,” said the body.

The World Bank, along with ICF, have held several rounds of meetings and interactions with various stakeholders and formulated draft reports on three key verticals of this study, which are namely, mapping demand-supply of low-carbon hydrogen with respect to pipeline supply infrastructure, technical assessment of the pipeline sector, impact/changes required at consumer side, assessment of policy, and regulatory framework, including international experience, and are in advance stages of formulating draft reports on the remaining two verticals.

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