CEA explores green hydrogen pipeline transportation

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is collaborating with GAIL, IOCL, and NTPC to explore the feasibility of transporting green hydrogen through pipelines from renewable energy zones to ports, aiming to meet domestic and export demands. 

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The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in partnership with GAIL, IOCL, and NTPC, is conducting a feasibility study to assess the logistics and cost efficiency of transporting green hydrogen through pipelines from renewable energy zones to ports. This aims to address domestic demand and support exports.

“In green hydrogen, we are thinking that there is a huge requirement of power. There are two options – Can I really transfer power from Rajasthan to port areas or can we go for a pipeline as well?” said CEA Chairperson, Ghanshyam Prasad. A team has been formed to explore this, as building numerous transmission lines could pose challenges. A green hydrogen pipeline is being considered as a potentially cheaper alternative for meeting domestic and export needs.

Prasad noted that in a pilot study for transporting green hydrogen between Rajasthan and Paradip port, the pipeline option was found to be more cost-effective than using transmission lines. He emphasized the importance of optimizing the distribution side to make renewable energy more viable and widely available.

Currently, green hydrogen is typically converted into green ammonia for transportation. Despite its increasing use as an alternative fuel, challenges remain regarding its transportation and storage. In March, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) began exploring ways to blend hydrogen with natural gas and transport it through existing gas transmission lines, which currently span 24,000 km out of a 33,000 km authorized network.

Looking ahead, Prasad stressed the need to expand solar and nuclear capacity to meet India’s energy transition goals for 2030 and beyond. The CEA is revising resource adequacy plans for all discoms to meet the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.