Development of Pipeline Standards for the Delivery of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Blends

Abstract This paper will discuss the near-, mid-, and long-term development of requirements for the design, material selection, construction, testing and operation of pipeline delivery systems intended for use with hydrogen gas and hydrogen gas blends. CSA Z662, Oil and gas pipeline systems, establishes oil and gas pipeline delivery system requirements in Canada, with natural gas (methane) being the dominant gaseous focus. To provide a mechanism for immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a significant demand for hydrogen and natural gas blended with hydrogen has emerged. These fuels must be delivered in a safe and effective manner. Addressing hydrogen in standards is currently a focus area around the world with support from many international research organizations, industry, and levels of governments. As the applications of hydrogen blending in existing natural gas pipelines begins to increase and expand, so must the standards that have traditionally been applied for those projects. Recognizing the speed with which the demand for hydrogen is increasing, the CSA Z662 Technical Committee formed a hydrogen task force to focus on 3 deliverables: • A primary framework, covering design, construction and operation requirements for existing and new hydrogen and hydrogen blend systems, suitable for publication in the 2023 edition of CSA Z662; • A detailed set of objective provisions suitable for publication as early as 2027; and • A mechanism for integration of standard maintenance and updating for hydrogen requirements in future editions. In June 2023, CSA Group published the new edition of CSA Z662, which includes a new clause to address provisions for hydrogen and hydrogen blended systems and simultaneously establishes a home for future provisions. The paper will conclude with a summary of the approach and key topics of focus for the next edition of CSA Z662.