Hydrogen Repurposing Assessment for Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG

Project Background

Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP), a leading European pipeline operator, awarded Penspen a contract to conduct hydrogen gap analysis services in order to evaluate the the readiness of TAP’s infrastructure to integrate hydrogen.

Stretching 877km, TAP is a natural gas pipeline that connects the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border, crosses Albania and the Adriatic Sea, and links to gas networks in southern Italy. Operational since 2020, TAP is a vital component of the Southern Gas Corridor, playing a significant role in strengthening Europe’s energy security and diversifying its energy supply.

Services

Penspen’s UK-based engineering team will perform a comprehensive desktop and field assessment review of TAP’s above ground installations (AGIs), block valves (BVs) and compressor stations (CSs). This evaluation will assess the feasibility of introducing hydrogen blends to the existing gas pipeline, supporting TAP’s strategy of capacity expansion for new volumes of hydrogen and other renewable gases to foster long-term sustainability and decarbonisation in the region.

Result

Leveraging expertise and experience from similar recently completed hydrogen projects, Penspen will support TAP in ensuring safe and sustainable hydrogen blending while maintaining the safety and reliability of TAP’s existing gas infrastructure in Europe.

Commenting on the project, Angus Reid, Project Manager for the TAP project at Penspen, said: “We are delighted to be able to support another major international operator in meeting their energy transition goals. Hydrogen enablement of strategic transportation infrastructure is a key factor for long term regional decarbonisation. Supporting the introduction of hydrogen into a major pipeline, will promote hydrogen generation projects in  Southeastern Europe, as well as a multitude of hydrogen use opportunities.”

Luca Schieppati, TAP’s Managing Director, added: “TAP has the potential to become a significant contributor to Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by potentially supplying the EU with carbon-neutral energy sources, such as hydrogen blended with natural gas. Evaluating whether our above-ground installations are hydrogen-ready for hydrogen blending with natural gas, with the support of an experienced supplier like Penspen, is an important step in this broader process. These efforts clearly demonstrate our commitment to innovation and a sustainable energy future for Europe.”