Hydrogen Blending Feasibility Project for Conexus Baltic Grid’s Gas Pipeline Network

Project Background

In October 2024, Penspen were awarded an energy transition contract by Latvian gas operator Conexus Baltic Grid to assess the feasibility of integrating hydrogen blends into their existing natural gas pipeline network. This initiative is part of Latvia’s strategic efforts to transition towards sustainable energy sources, contributing to global decarbonisation by safely optimising existing gas infrastructure.

Services

Led by Penspen’s integrity team in the UK, the scope of work includes:

• Evaluation of how hydrogen blends impact the mechanical properties of carbon steel pipelines to ensure safe operations.
• Analysis of the potential interactions between hydrogen and existing pipeline defects to identify any integrity threats and assess their impact on structural integrity.
• Review of applicable national and international codes and regulations related to hydrogen integration, ensuring all methodologies for defect assessment and integrity management are aligned with industry standards.
• Recommendations for repair or mitigation measures for any identified defects that may be incompatible with the proposed hydrogen blends.

Result

Scheduled for completion in early 2025, this project will leverage Penspen’s expertise in hydrogen blending and pipeline safety to support Conexus Baltic Grid’s safe and sustainable integration of hydrogen whilst ensuring the continued safety and reliability of existing gas infrastructure in Latvia.

Ali Alani, Director of Asset Integrity for Europe: “We are very pleased to be awarded this project and excited to be working with Conexus Baltic Grid. The project scope aligns well with our materials engineering and pipeline analysis core strengths as well as our extensive knowledge of pipes from that age/region. This is a good addition to our growing H2 pipeline repurposing track record”.

Rolands Trenko, Project Manager at Conexus Baltic Grid, added: “I’m thrilled to collaborate on this project with a partner who brings such specialised expertise in materials engineering and pipeline analysis. The knowledge and experience Penspen have with pipelines of this age and region will be invaluable as we work to adapt our infrastructure for hydrogen mix. Together, we’re setting a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future and furthering the transition to cleaner energy sources. I look forward to achieving great results together!”.