From solar power to wind energy: the energy transition means that more electricity in Europe is being generated from sources that are highly dependent on weather conditions. These fluctuations in production are creating new challenges for the energy infrastructure. One potential key factor to energy transport is hydrogen, which can be used to store energy from renewable sources. The wienerberger subsidiary Pipelife is tackling the effects of climate change head on and breaking new ground with innovative pipe systems.

The European Green Deal aims to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050. To achieve this target, the EU is supporting the integration of renewable energy solutions into the energy mix. The challenge though is that renewable power generation is variable – output fluctuates and depends on environmental conditions that cannot be influenced, such as the weather. In addition, supply has to be matched to demand.

Hydrogen can help solve this dilemma, as it can store electricity from renewable energy sources. “SoluForce flexible composite pipe systems are used to transport hydrogen at high operating pressures. The hydrogen is then fed into lines such as low-pressure polyethylene pipes and is distributed to end users,” explains Zoran Davidovski, Head of R&D and Sustainability at Pipelife.

The transport of hydrogen requires one thing above all: a reliable pipeline system. Pipelife is revolutionizing the way hydrogen is transported with its SoluForce flexible composite pipe system for high-pressure applications. This innovative pipeline system has a significant impact on the feasibility and acceleration of renewable energy implementation.

Originally used to transport oil and gas since the turn of the millennium, the system has been tested for the transportation of hydrogen since 2018. The pipes are currently certified for hydrogen applications up to 52 bar operating pressure. Higher pressures are foreseen in the near future. Carbon emissions over the pipeline’s entire lifecycle are up to four times lower than those of alternative products – such as steel pipes. In other words, compared to traditional (steel) solutions only the use of SoluForce is already having a significant positive impact on overall CO₂ emissions. Moreover, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is also approximately twenty-five percent lower, among other things due to the fast installation process and limited maintenance requirements.

The aluminum barrier layer inside the pipe prevents the permeation of hydrogen, which can be difficult to contain due to small molecules that can easily pass through other pipe walls. The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner materials of the pipe system do not suffer from hydrogen embrittlement, which is a big challenge for steel pipelines at higher pressures. The result is a unique, completely flexible, high pressure reinforced thermoplastic pipeline system. “In addition, our maintenance-free pipes are quick and easy to install, with a potential to re-coil and re-use. This makes it easier to adapt to changing terrain and challenging transport routes,” explains Robert-Jan Berg, Managing Director of SoluForce.

SoluForce pipes are also suitable for transporting biogas, which can be produced from biomass, biowaste or agricultural waste, for example. If the gas produced in the fermentation process is purified, biomethane is formed. This substance is chemically identical to natural gas and in future it will be possible to inject more of it into the gas grid. “We are committed to supporting the development of a greener gas mix. We can offer safe, cost-effective and highly durable infrastructure solutions that are quick and easy to install,” says Robert-Jan Berg. 

How can energy from renewable sources be made more broadly accessible and transported through challenging terrain? Pipelife has an answer to this question too. SoluForce enables uninterrupted energy transmission in coastal regions and remote areas and through even the harshest terrain – as well as in offshore applications, such as the North Sea. 

Conclusion: The increasing generation of electricity from renewable energy, demands new solutions for energy transport. With forward-looking ideas and innovative products, Pipelife contributes to the further development of transport infrastructure and the success of renewable energy. This is another step towards a sustainable European energy mix.