The review meeting for the first phase of the 30 GW Green Hydrogen Pipeline Project in Shaanxi took place in Beijing. China Petrochemical Corp, or Sinopec Group, presented the concept of the project, having secured the contract in April following a competitive bidding process initiated by Shaanxi Hydrogen Energy Development in March.
Transporting hydrogen through pipelines poses unique challenges compared to oil and gas due to differences in flow and explosive properties.
Sinopec currently operates several hydrogen pipelines including the Jinling-Yangzi, Baling-Changling, and Jiyuan-Luoyang pipelines, the longest of which has been in operation for about 16 years.
Sinopec has developed a core technology system for hydrogen pipelines and completed standards that fill industry gaps. Their research on hydrogen transportation technology has led to the development of key techniques for long-distance hydrogen pipelines, including pressurized transportation, safe venting, material evaluation, welding installation, and safety protection.
In March 2023, Sinopec published the “Technical Specification for Hydrogen Transmission Pipeline Engineering,” setting standards for the design, construction, and commissioning of hydrogen pipelines in China. This laid the groundwork for the implementation of the Ulanqab hydrogen pipeline project.
At the 2023 China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition (CIPPE), Sinopec showcased its pure hydrogen long-distance pipeline.
They revealed that the manufacturing cost of their hydrogen pipelines is only 20-30% higher than that of natural gas pipelines, significantly lower than costs in Europe and the US.
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is also advancing hydrogen pipeline construction. In February, CNPC signed a 736.5-kilometer hydrogen pipeline agreement with Tangshan Haitai New Energy Technology.
On February 27, CNPC won the bid for the survey and design of the 125-kilometer gas pipeline project from Guyang to Baiyun Ebo in western Inner Mongolia.
