Current Status and Challenges in the Development of Hydrogen Transmission Pipeline Technology

As the hydrogen energy industry rapidly develops, hydrogen transmission through pipelines— recognized as a low-cost, large-scale, and long-distance transportation method—will play a crucial role in optimizing the temporal and spatial distribution of hydrogen energy, thereby enhancing the resilience and security of the energy supply system. However, the development of pure hydrogen pipelines is constrained by various factors, including technology, economics, safety, and policy. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of pure hydrogen pipeline development both domestically and internationally, offering an in-depth analysis of the safety risks, material selection, operational control technologies, the establishment of relevant technical standards, and economic feasibility associated with pipeline hydrogen transmission. By improving and establishing a technical standard system for the design, construction, and operation of hydrogen pipelines, optimizing the pipeline network layout, and creating an efficient green hydrogen supply chain, the phased promotion of pilot hydrogen pipeline construction can be achieved. This will further facilitate industrial synergy between hydrogen energy and sectors such as power, transportation, and chemicals, and drive the large-scale development of renewable energy-based hydrogen production and hydrogen energy storage and transportation.