The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy (IEG) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) have presented a detailed cost analysis for the pipeline transport of liquid hydrogen derivatives compared to gaseous hydrogen for the first time. The results have been published in the journal "Energy Strategy Reviews." The basis is the newly developed simulation model HyTROM+, an advancement of the existing HyTROM (Hydrogen Transport Route Optimization) model from Fraunhofer ISI.
Methanol over nearly 700 kilometers for 0.4 euros per megawatt hour
The case study examines the approximately 700-kilometer route from Trieste, Italy, to Karlsruhe. On this route, the transport of hydrogen gas in a repurposed pipeline costs 3.9 euros per megawatt hour, and in a newly built pipeline 11.4 euros. Liquid derivatives like methanol, Fischer-Tropsch crude oil, or kerosene, on the other hand, can be transported for as little as 0.4 or 1.9 euros per megawatt hour. "Our model can provide reliable decision-making bases for policymakers and pipeline operators," says Natalia Pieton from Fraunhofer IEG, lead author of the study. "It is now easier to determine which energy carriers and import routes are technically feasible and economically robust."
However, two things must not be forgotten. First, the production of methanol must also be considered in the total costs—at least if the hydrogen is not already intended to be processed into methanol or a similar derivative. Second, the cost comparison does not refer to the amount of hydrogen in the methanol, but to the total energy content of the substance. If hydrogen is needed as the end product, a recalculation is necessary here.
Alpine route as a stress test for difficult terrain
The researchers deliberately chose the Alpine corridor as a stress test: If liquid derivatives can be transported cost-effectively even in difficult terrain, this applies even more so to flatter regions. The results can be transferred to other import axes. HyTROM+ combines geodata, physical material properties, and economic indicators. The model calculates the pipeline route based on real land use data, elevation differences, population density, and existing infrastructure. It breaks down the route into small sections, evaluates them according to environment, pressure loss, and pump or compressor capacity, and selects the most cost-effective overall route.
Repurposing existing pipelines can significantly reduce costs
The study also shows that reusing existing oil and gas pipelines for liquid energy carriers can significantly reduce investment costs. The model makes it transparent when the reuse of fossil infrastructure is worthwhile and where new pipelines are more economical. However, the authors point out that the transport of hydrogen gas may remain sensible where it is needed as a direct raw material. In sectors such as refineries, chemicals, and heavy transport, derivatives could be the cheaper starting point. At the same time, this could mean that value creation is shifted to countries with cheap renewable electricity. Further investigations into total delivery costs, including production, are the necessary next step.
In addition to Fraunhofer IEG and ISI, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), ETH Zurich, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and Fraunhofer Cines were involved in the study. The research was funded under the MOHN project.
