Decarbonization of gas transmission pipelines via hydrogen blending: A Techno-Environmental case study approach
Date
2025
Authors
Das, Pronob
Mohtasim, Md. Shahriar
Rowe, Andrew
Wild, Peter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Energy Conversion and Management
Abstract
This study presents a novel and validated optimization framework to evaluate the performance and techno-environmental and economic impacts of hydrogen blending in steady-state natural gas transmission pipelines. The model investigates hydrogen injection (0 %, 10 %, 20 % and 100 %) and its influence on key parameters, including flow behavior, compressor fuel consumption, pressure limits, emissions, and energy return on investment (EROI). Using a genetic algorithm (GA) implemented in MATLAB, the framework is applied to both generalized cases and a real commercial system, the Coastal GasLink pipeline in Canada. Hydrogen addition significantly alters system behavior, increasing maximum operating pressure from 6.9 to 8.2 MPa and raising compressor fuel use from 2.98 % (100 % NG) to 21.4 % (100 % H2) over an 800 km pipeline. Validation against multiple benchmark studies shows < 1.5 % deviation, confirming model reliability. The study introduces a cost and emission trade-off analysis using a marginal abatement cost curve to assess compressor station electrification strategies. Full electrification reduces emissions by 1.51 MtCO2/year but increases operating costs. However, under Canadian incentive structures, the cost of abatement decreases substantially, making large-scale emission reduction economically viable. The analysis also highlights a sharp decline in EROI from 33.56 (100 % NG) to 4.67 (100 % H2), underscoring the need for efficiency-focused infrastructure design. A forward-looking hybrid energy system is proposed, integrating renewables, battery storage, and electrolyzers to enable on-site green hydrogen production and electrified compression. This framework supports infrastructure planning aligned with national decarbonization goals for 2030 and beyond.
Description
Keywords
natural gas pipeline, hydrogen blending, decarbonization, compressor electrification, energy return on investment, Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic)
Citation
Das, P., Mohtasim, Md. S., Rowe, A., & Wild, P. (2026). Decarbonization of gas transmission pipelines via hydrogen blending: A Techno-Environmental case study approach. Energy Conversion and Management, 351, Article 121010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2025.121010