The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has released a new report detailing the opportunities presented by a new hydrogen pipeline.

Scotland’s hydrogen production and export potential could be significantly accelerated with the development of purpose-built marine pipeline, according to a report published by the NZTC.

The NTZC’s Hydrogen Backbone Link project explored the critical hydrogen transport infrastructure required to deliver a cost-effective pipeline solution which could potentially position Scotland as a front runner in the development of a pan-European hydrogen infrastructure for export.

The project, which received funding from the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Fund (ETF) and match funding from industry, examined the repurposing of existing oil and gas infrastructure before determining that a new purpose-built marine pipeline link to Europe is the optimal route to market for Scotland’s green hydrogen.

According to the report, the new pipeline would connect Scotland’s East Coast to Emden in Germany, creating a direct link to the continental European market.

While the report notes an investment of around £2.7 billion will be required to build the pipeline, the NZTC says investors can expect a 6% initial rate of return, and that Scotland’s resulting green hydrogen will be cost competitive compared to other globally sourced hydrogen.

The new pipeline could enable Scotland to meet up to 10% of Europe’s projected hydrogen import demand by the mid 2030s. Through ongoing investment in additional infrastructure, it could maintain this proportion of export beyond 2045, helping Scottish Government meet its green export ambition and facilitating continental Europe’s industrial decarbonisation.

However, the report noted several key areas of technological improvements needed to enable a functioning pipeline system. This includes emerging compressor technologies, such as turbo, electrochemical, and compact centrifugal designs, which need “accelerated development and scale up,” according to the report.

Further, development and scale up of storage solutions for hydrogen, as well as using hydrogen as test medium, and testing meter designs for operational limits, needs investment to make the pipeline a stable reality.

If delivered, the Hydrogen Backbone Link could create over 700 Scottish Jobs and enable new and existing green hydrogen projects, with the potential to support a further 300,000 jobs in the green energy economy.

To fully release this goal, the report notes action is required in six key areas:

• Rapid acceleration of public and private investment to deliver the backbone pipeline
• Continued investment in hydrogen and wind deployments to deliver security of supply
• Developed a National Energy Storage Strategy to deliver an integrated renewables and hydrogen storage system for 2030 and beyond.
• Cross border policy and standards alignment to enable safe, efficient export
• Financial support to accelerate technology development and infrastructure deployment to turn the vision into a reality

Callum Milne, Hydrogen Backbone Link project manager at the Net Zero Technology Centre said: “Scotland is poised to utilise its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce and proximity to an energy hungry market in north-west Europe but to maximise this, will take accelerated and increased government and industry investment, rapid development of infrastructure and cross border collaboration over the next decade.

“The Hydrogen Backbone Link (HBL) project is a key early enabler for this, providing cost-effective transportation to market for Scottish hydrogen producers and supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system.”

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Scottish Government energy secretary Neil Gray said: “The Scottish Government recognises the importance of developing hydrogen pipelines to unlock Scotland’s export potential. We want to work collaboratively with partners across Europe to advance infrastructure which ensures security of supply in Europe and positions the North Sea as a centre for low-cost hydrogen production.

“The Scottish Government supports the Hydrogen Backbone Link project because it gives valuable insight into the viability of repurposing or developing new pipelines. This can help us understand any barriers where government support is required to unlock investment and realise Scotland’s export potential.”

The project has received support from funding partners including Shetland Island Council, EnQuest, Kellas Midstream, Crown Estate Scotland and Shell, contributing members Xodus, DNV-GL, Wood., Wood Mackenzie and Worley, and strategic partners National Grid and SGN.

Phase two of the project will examine the next steps required to progress to construction and start-up of the Hydrogen Backbone Link.