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A Comparative Analysis of Natural Gas and Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Standards: Lessons for the Transition to Clean Energy
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Renewable Technology
Abstract
The shift from natural gas to hydrogen pipelines represents an important component of the global transition to sustainable energy systems. This article investigates the readiness of existing pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen transportation by analyzing safety standards, materials, and emerging technologies. Through a comparative framework, we examine established natural gas regulations, such as those outlined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Petroleum Institute (API), against evolving hydrogen-specific guidelines. Our findings highlight key challenges, including material embrittlement, higher diffusion rates, and insufficient monitoring technologies to address hydrogen?s unique properties. Proposed solutions include advanced material treatments, such as intelligent bi-directional induction techniques, and the integration of IoT-enabled safety systems for real-time leak detection. The study emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers, engineers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in updating safety standards, investing in innovative technologies, and adopting a proactive approach to hydrogen infrastructure development. These steps are essential for ensuring hydrogen's safe and efficient transport and accelerating its role in achieving global climate targets.
Keywords
Hydrogen Pipelines, Natural Gas Standards, Hydrogen Embrittlement, Pipeline Safety, IoT Leak Detection, Sustainable Energy Transition, ASME, API, PHMSA.
How to cite this paper
@article{1706910,
author = {Ayodele Owate},
title = {A Comparative Analysis of Natural Gas and Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Standards: Lessons for the Transition to Clean Energy},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
pages = {224-234},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1706910.pdf},
abstract = {The shift from natural gas to hydrogen pipelines represents an important component of the global transition to sustainable energy systems. This article investigates the readiness of existing pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen transportation by analyzing safety standards, materials, and emerging technologies. Through a comparative framework, we examine established natural gas regulations, such as those outlined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Petroleum Institute (API), against evolving hydrogen-specific guidelines. Our findings highlight key challenges, including material embrittlement, higher diffusion rates, and insufficient monitoring technologies to address hydrogen?s unique properties. Proposed solutions include advanced material treatments, such as intelligent bi-directional induction techniques, and the integration of IoT-enabled safety systems for real-time leak detection. The study emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers, engineers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate in updating safety standards, investing in innovative technologies, and adopting a proactive approach to hydrogen infrastructure development. These steps are essential for ensuring hydrogen's safe and efficient transport and accelerating its role in achieving global climate targets.},
keywords = {Hydrogen Pipelines, Natural Gas Standards, Hydrogen Embrittlement, Pipeline Safety, IoT Leak Detection, Sustainable Energy Transition, ASME, API, PHMSA.},
month = {January},
}