Hydrogen-Doped Natural Gas and its Transportation Technology

Review Hydrogen-Doped Natural Gas and its Transportation Technology Changfei Xu 1, Ruisheng Liu 2, Feibo Wang 1, Jinying Wu 1, Rui Wang 1, and Zhuo Zhang 1,* 1 College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China 2 Linyi Power Supply Company of State Grid, Linyi 276005, China * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 21 August 2024; Revised: 23 December 2024; Accepted: 24 January 2025; Published: 28 February 2025 Abstract: With the continuous increase in energy consumption and the exacerbation of environmental problems, the energy transition is becoming increasingly urgent. Hydrogen, as a clean and zero-carbon energy source, has received extensive attention. Hydrogen-doped natural gas transportation technology has emerged as a promising solution to the challenge of large-scale hydrogen transportation. This article comprehensively reviews the development history of hydrogen doping technology in both China and around the world, and systematically analyzes the effects of hydrogen-doped natural gas on pipeline tubing, including the phenomena of hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen permeation, leakage diffusion, and ignition explosion. The advantages of this technology, such as significant carbon emission reduction and enhanced energy utilization efficiency, are thoroughly examined. The challenges it faces, such as the elevated safety risks due to the flammability and explosiveness of hydrogen, the immaturity of production technologies, and the inadequacies in regulations and standards, are also meticulously pointed out. Looking ahead, in-depth technical research and development, the innovation of hydrogen production technologies, and the establishment of robust regulations and standards are crucial to facilitating the hydrogen-doped natural gas transportation technology to play a more prominent role in the energy field and to promoting the sustainable development of energy. Additionally, with the continuous innovation and breakthroughs in technology, it is expected that the hydrogen blending ratio can be further increased. For example, the hydrogen blending ratio in some regions may be raised to approximately 30% by 2030, thereby further reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the transformation of the energy structure towards clean and low-carbon.