Installing new hydrogen pipelines

Wherever we can, we reuse existing natural gas pipelines for the hydrogen network. In addition to these existing pipelines, new hydrogen pipelines are needed in various locations where no existing pipeline is available or where a new pipeline is needed to interconnect regions, industrial areas and other parts of the hydrogen network.

New hydrogen pipelines are carefully planned, whereby we look not only at what is technically possible, but also at the specifics of the area where the pipeline will be installed.

From plan to installation

Before we install a new hydrogen pipeline, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most suitable location for it. As part of this, we look at local factors such as nature, agriculture, homes, businesses, safety and future land use. We also invite local residents, landowners, businesses and other stakeholders to give input on our plans.

Based on the various surveys and input, we map out the pipeline route and make the required decisions. After that, we prepare the work and determine how best to lay the pipeline.

Find out more about project preparations

How we install a new hydrogen pipeline

We install new hydrogen pipelines underground. What method we use for that depends on the area. Factors we need to consider include roads, railway lines, waterways, nature, soil conditions, and available space.

We always choose the method that is the best fit for the area where we are working. Find out more about the various pipeline installation methods below. We also encourage you to take a look at the animations to see how these techniques work.

Open excavation

When laying a new pipeline in a rural or sparsely built-up area, we generally choose the open excavation method. With this method, we lay the pipeline in a trench that is deep enough to have at least one metre of soil covering the pipeline. After the trench has been dug using excavators, cranes are used to lower the pipeline into it.

Horizontal directional drilling

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a pipeline installation method where we first drill a bore underground and then pull the pipeline through it. This avoids the need to dig up the entire pipeline route. We mainly use this technique when the pipeline needs to run beneath natural areas, bodies of water, motorways or railway lines. The bore is drilled underground from a starting point to an end point. Meanwhile, the pipeline sections are welded together above ground and then pulled through the bore from the end point back to the starting point.

Closed-face drilling

Closed-face drilling is a drilling technique we primarily use in areas where disruption to traffic and people’s daily life needs to be kept to a minimum, such as near roundabouts, busy urban roads or railway lines. Using a drill head, we drill a bore underground from a starting pit to an exit pit. As we drill, we keep inserting new pipeline sections behind the drill head, welding them together as we go. This is how we gradually drill the pipeline through the soil.

Ploughing

This is a technique that we mainly use in rural areas. When ploughing a pipeline into the ground, we use two vehicles. The first is the plough, which cuts through the ground. The second is a machine that pulls the plough forward using a strong cable called a ‘winch’. We hitch the pipe to the back of the plough and pull it into the ground at the right depth in one go.

Underwater pipeline

When a pipeline needs to cross a river, canal, or other waterway, we can use a technique that involves submerging the pipeline. The pipeline is first welded together on land and then lowered to the bottom of the waterway. After that, the pipeline is covered to ensure it stays safely in place.

Direct Pipe

Direct Pipe is a pipeline installation method where we lay a pipeline underground without digging a long trench first. This is a technique that we use mainly underneath rivers, natural areas or where other drilling methods are less suitable. It involves a boring machine drilling a borehole underground from a launch pit to a target pit, with the pipeline right behind it. This means that drilling and pipeline installation take place simultaneously and little space is needed above ground.

Safety first

When it comes to both installing and using new hydrogen pipelines, safety is key. This is why we plan, design, build and operate pipelines in accordance with strict requirements and statutory regulations. We also take measures to keep the surrounding area safe while work is being carried out on a pipeline.

Find out more about safety

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