[ transport ] the expansion of physical infrastructure , in order to effectively service the first and final miles of distribution .
In contrast to oil and gas , the model for hydrogen production and distribution less centralised . In a departure from giant refineries transporting fuels over hundreds of miles , hydrogen production will be much more localised , with hundreds of hubs all providing hydrogen for use within approximately 50 miles . The rise of green hydrogen production , facilitated by renewable sources like wind and solar , will lead to the emergence of remote assets that require an efficient and continuous means of transporting hydrogen to the network .
Equally , at the other end of the supply chain , there will always be customers located beyond the reach of pipeline networks who will still require hydrogen for their energy needs .
Therefore , we anticipate that the future of hydrogen transportation will involve a combination of physical pipelines and virtual pipeline alternatives , such as MCPs and MEGCs , each serving different parts of the supply chain and catering to diverse needs in the evolving hydrogen economy .
Helping the hydrogen supply chain
The focus on hydrogen is being driven by various factors , including the Paris climate goals , Russia ’ s war in Ukraine , soaring gas prices , and the increasing urgency to achieve Net Zero by 2050 . And as demand for this clean energy source grows , there is a pressing need for a comprehensive hydrogen network that encompasses production , storage , transport , and refuelling of hydrogen-powered systems .
Discussions regarding infrastructure options , such as physical and virtual pipelines , are ongoing , and Luxfer actively contributes its expertise to support OEMs , governments , and industry bodies in developing strategies and making informed decisions . As members of the UK HFCA and Hydrogen Europe , we actively participate in these consultations . In fact , our bulk gas transport experts have submitted insights to a recent UK Government paper on Hydrogen Transport and Storage Infrastructure , and we will continue to share our position on how hydrogen can pave the way to achieving Net Zero .
In the meantime , and in the absence of a fully established hydrogen infrastructure , the responsibility falls on industry players to connect the dots of the hydrogen supply chain and create an efficient hydrogen ecosystem .
Despite its small size , hydrogen holds enormous potential as a clean fuel for the global energy transition . Luxfer is dedicated to utilizing its expertise to ensure that everyone can benefit from the advantages of hydrogen as we collectively strive towards a sustainable future .
Reference
1
Hydrogen Council & McKinsey & Company . ( September 2022 ). Hydrogen Insights 2022 .
About Luxfer Gas Cylinders
Luxfer Gas Cylinders is a leading manufacturer of high-pressure aluminium and composite cylinders , which has been operating for over 80 years and is part of Luxfer Holdings PLC . The company has sites across the world but makes Nottingham its European base , where it employs over 230 people and produces up to one million cylinders each year . Believing that everyone should be able to explore environments with a sense of freedom and safety , Luxfer Gas Cylinders pioneers advances in gas containment that can improve the quality of people ’ s lives , their health , well-being and protection . Its product portfolio includes oxygen cylinders for healthcare settings . aerospace and inflation , scuba diving , alternative fuel , and specialty gases .
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