PNGRB is planning to utilize natural gas transmission lines for the transportation of green hydrogen bridging the gap between regions with rich renewable energy resources and hydrogen-consuming centers. The total hydrogen demand in India is expected to increase from the current demand of 6 – 7 MMTPA to 16 – 18.5 MMPTA by 2040.
Mar 08, 2024
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is considering natural gas transmission lines as a first choice for the transportation of green hydrogen. Currently, a total of 33000 km of natural gas transmission pipeline network has been authorized, out of which 24000 km is operational and the rest is under construction. These natural gas pipelines will bridge the gap between regions with rich renewable energy resources (having a high supply of green hydrogen) and hydrogen-consuming centers such as fertilizer plants, refineries and heavy iron & steel industries. PNGRB is progressing on the task of transporting green hydrogen through natural gas transmission lines by blending hydrogen with natural gas.
PNGRB organized a mega-stakeholder interaction on 07th March 2024 to discuss and gather inputs on the draft report of the study undertaken by PNGRB in association with the World Bank and study partner ICF, to develop “Pathways for Hydrogen transmission in Natural gas pipelines and City Gas Distribution networks”.
Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB in keynote address highlighted the importance of hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines and CGD networks and expressed that PNGRB is committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of related infrastructure. PNGRB is also in process of formulating a global-level regulatory regime for the transportation of green hydrogen.
In the stakeholder interaction, representatives from various Ministries, Statutory/Autonomous bodies, research institutions, and Oil & Gas entities shared ideas about the prospects of hydrogen in India. The event included a presentation from ICF on a draft study report besides presentations from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), GAIL (India) Limited and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) towards new initiatives being undertaken for the promotion of hydrogen in the Country.
Recognizing the potential benefits of hydrogen blending in the natural gas & CGD sector, PNGRB since August 2023 is undertaking this important study in collaboration with the World Bank. The study comprises mapping demand and supply of hydrogen, technical assessment of the existing pipeline network for its compatibility, commercial assessment of the pipeline sector, identifying bottlenecks in the Policy and Regulatory Framework, and framing of roadmap milestones till 2040 for expeditious implementation of hydrogen blending in India.
As per the outcomes of the draft study report, the total hydrogen demand in India is expected to increase from the current demand of 6 – 7 MMTPA to 16 – 18.5 MMPTA by 2040. Major contributors to this projected demand will be the Ammonia, Refineries and Transport sectors. The study also suggested blending limits for various components such as for transmission pipelines, compressors, gas turbines, gas meters, domestic appliances, CNG vehicles, and other associated equipment and fittings etc, used in the natural gas pipelines and city gas distribution networks. Beyond these blending limits the study also projected additional capex & opex requirements for equipment and fittings.
This mega-stakeholder interaction will also pave the way forward to achieve the target of 5 MMTPA green hydrogen production by 2030, set by the Government of India under its clean energy agenda through the National green hydrogen mission.
