Highlighting the key differences between the primary two methods of hydrogen transport – pipelines and shipping as LOHCs.
Here’s an article posted in Cleantechnica.
According to the article,
The green hydrogen market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2050, a substantial increase from $260 million in 2023
- Transportation Methods:Two primary transportation methods are being considered: pipelines and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) transported in ships
Future Projections:
Our specialty focus areas include 
- By 2050, it is forecasted that 735 million tons of green hydrogen will be produced annually, with its use spanning across various industries for decarbonization
Let us look deeply into the differences between pipelines and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), so as to get a better idea on the pros and cons of each:
| Criteria | Pipelines | Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kg of Hydrogen | $0.54 (up to 1,000 km) | $1.48 – $1.86 (7,000 – 20,000 km) |
| Distance Efficiency | Most cost-effective up to 5,000 km; can be effective up to 8,000 km with repurposed pipelines | More cost-effective for distances beyond 7,000 km |
| Infrastructure Requirements | High initial investment; can repurpose existing natural gas pipelines | Requires specialized ships and terminals for LOHC handling |
| Transport Capacity | Large diameter pipelines can transport significant volumes (up to 13.5 GW at 80 bar) | Limited by storage capacity; can carry up to 19,000 tons in equivalent storage |
| Energy Loss | Minimal energy loss during transport | Energy loss during reconversion (13-34% when converting ammonia back to hydrogen) |
| Operational Flexibility | Fixed routes; less flexible once constructed | More flexible; can use existing shipping routes and infrastructure |
| Safety Considerations | Risk of leaks and embrittlement; requires safety measures | Generally safer; LOHCs are less volatile than gaseous hydrogen |
| Environmental Impact | Potentially lower if repurposing existing infrastructure | Depends on the production process of LOHCs and their lifecycle impacts |
| Current Usage | Already used in regions with existing gas infrastructure | Emerging technology; not widely used yet but gaining interest |
Pipelines are typically more cost-effective for shorter distances and can utilize existing infrastructure, making them ideal for areas with established gas networks. In contrast, LOHCs provide flexibility for longer distances and can leverage current shipping logistics, though they involve higher costs and energy losses during reconversion. Therefore, it is clear that the decision between these methods will depend on project specifics, distances, and regional infrastructure.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
. Green Hydrogen In Transportation Challenges: This post by McKinsey & Company explores the challenges of using hydrogen in transportation, specifically the need for hydrogen to be in liquid form or bonded with ammonia for transport. Potential of Hydrogen in Transportation Industry, Benefits – This article speaks about the potential of hydrogen in the transportation industry, highlighting its ability to facilitate long-distance travel.
