University of Twente Student Theses
The feasibility of transforming the Dutch main- and regional natural gas pipeline infrastructure into a hydrogen network
Arends, Jim (2020) The feasibility of transforming the Dutch main- and regional natural gas pipeline infrastructure into a hydrogen network.
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| Abstract: | The research concerns the extent to which the current regional- and main natural gas pipeline network is suitable for the distribution of hydrogen gas. The technical feasibility and economic feasibility of the transformation to hydrogen were determined within the research. The technical feasibility mainly relates to the materials that make up the pipeline network and the outcomes to which minimum technical requirements hydrogen distribution utilizing pipelines must meet. The economic feasibility is determined based on the investments that must be made to make the network suitable for hydrogen gas. Another factor for economic feasibility is the extent to which hydrogen can contribute in the short term to a sustainable energy system in the Netherlands. This research has shown that the current natural gas network meets the minimum technical requirements that apply to hydrogen distribution utilizing pipelines. Also, the research results have shown that the materials within the pipeline network do not undergo significant degradation when exposed to hydrogen gas under pressure for a long time under real life similar conditions. The economic feasibility of the investments is realistic, but hydrogen must then meet the condition that it is economically viable. This can only be achieved if green electricity exists in surplus, and thus, a profitable green hydrogen market can be created that functions like the liberalized natural gas market. Profitable green hydrogen is not expected in the short term, which leads to the conclusion that the transformation of the natural gas network to a hydrogen network is currently not economically feasible. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 43 environmental science, 50 technical science in general, 51 materials science, 70 social sciences in general |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/82853 |
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