Exploring transition pathways for the development of a hydrogen pipeline network as key link in the future hydrogen value chain

Abstract

To date, the field of research on hydrogen pipeline network integration is majorly limited to techno-economic supply chain optimizations and to socio-technical analyses on just the hydrogen transition in general. This article addresses this restricted view by exploring development of the pipeline network as part of the hydrogen value chain from a socio-technical perspective, taking into account multi-actor complexity. A three-level framework assesses the impact of the actor network regime on visions and on the design of the hydrogen value chain in three transition pathways that explore framework dynamics towards varying projected end-visions for the Netherlands in 2050. The actor perspectives show that the major concern in the development of the pipeline network is not necessarily related to the type of pipeline being operated, but rather to factors the ownership and operation, the transition strategy, the role of the network operator and industrial sector, and the capacity and outreach of the network. These aspects let observe influence on the extent of market expansion, security of supply, the pace of volume upscaling, the energetic and economic efficiency of the system and the level of fair competition in the network; the so-called lock-in effects. The research contributes to future pipeline network design by providing guidelines for general strategies and by showing what the key aspects are for strategically effective pipeline development as part of the value chain.