An evaluation of hydrogen storage in pipelines

An evaluation of hydrogen storage in pipelines

The Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project is supporting a 12-month study (starting November 2025) on the evaluation of hydrogen storage in pipelines. Delivered in collaboration with Third Energy (CeraPhi), Crondall Energy and Nifepoint, the project explores the potential of repurposing decommissioned gas pipelines for safe, efficient and economically viable hydrogen storage. With industrial and academic expertise, the project bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application to accelerate the UK’s transition to a hydrogen economy.

Challenge

Hydrogen storage in decommissioned offshore pipelines presents significant technical and economic barriers. Materials must withstand cyclic compression and decompression pressures, with potential issues of strength, compatibility and safety. Unlike traditional compressed air energy storage systems, hydrogen introduces new thermos-fluidic complexities as it functions as a fuel rather than an oxidiser. Alongside technical design, the project must evaluate technoeconomic feasibility, round-trip efficiency, and the commercial viability of pipeline-based hydrogen storage solutions under varying operational conditions.

Solution

Under the Power-to-Gas and Gas-to-Power theme, this project investigates optimal system configurations that maximise efficiency and storage capacity. The research involves:

  • pipeline material testing using SEM-EDX and XRD characterisation with experimental facilities at Teesside University
  • numerical thermofluidic modelling in SIMULINK to analyse compression/expansion cycles and system performance
  • risk assessment using the TOPSIS method to rank safety factors
  • technoeconomic evaluation led by Durham University to quantify economic viability across scenarios.

Industrial partners provide critical expertise and resources:
  • Third Energy (CeraPhi): technical data from a real-world pipeline near Teesside
  • Crondall Energy: consultancy on pipeline design and offshore infrastructure
  • Nifepoint: commercial and technical guidance to assess market opportunities.

Impact

This project will generate evidence-based insights to guide the development of hydrogen storage infrastructure in the UK. Outcomes will:

  • identify operational solutions to improve storage efficiency and durability
  • provide industry and investors with data on material compatibility and economic feasibility, reducing costs along the hydrogen value chain
  • support the government’s target of a 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, by enabling scalable, competitive hydrogen storage solutions
  • strengthen the UK’s hydrogen economy and renewable energy resilience by advancing secure, low-carbon storage technologies.
Aligned with the Research Excellence Framework, this work demonstrates impact through advancing clean energy innovation, supporting industrial decarbonisation and contributing to the UK’s global competitiveness in hydrogen technologies.