Transporting hydrogen is a key challenge for the development of a global hydrogen economy. There are various transportation options for getting hydrogen from the production site to the consumer.
Generally, there are four types of hydrogen transport:
- In gaseous form in high-pressure containers (mobile tube trailers or cylinder-like storage tanks) or pipelines
- Liquid in cryogenic containers at -233 °C
- Chemically stored in solids (primarily metal hydrides)
- Chemically stored in liquids (methanol, ammonia, LOHC, etc.)
The choice of transportation method depends on factors such as distance, volume, and available infrastructure. An efficient hydrogen economy requires a combination of different transportation options.
1) Gaseous transport
Hydrogen can be transported in gaseous form either through pipelines or in compressed form in high-pressure tanks. Transport via pipelines is particularly suitable for larger quantities and longer distances.
Advantages:
- Proven, simple technology (for high-pressure tanks)
- Flexible Road Transportation Options
- Continuous supply is possible (for pipelines)
- Well-suited for large volumes (in pipelines)
Disadvantages:
- High Initial Investment for Pipeline Network
- Low energy content per unit volume
- High transportation costs, especially over long distances
- Climate Impact of Truck Transportation
- Non-climate-neutral manufacturing of CFRP tanks
2) Liquid Transport
In liquid transport, the hydrogen is cooled to -253°C, causing the energy carrier to change its state of matter and become liquid.
Advantages:
- Higher energy density than gaseous hydrogen
- Transport of larger quantities is possible
Disadvantages:
- High energy consumption for liquefaction (-253°C)
- Continuous cooling required
3) Chemical Transport in Solids
Hydrogen can be stored in metal hydrides or other solids. This allows for compact storage at low pressure.
Advantages:
- Compact storage at low pressure
- High level of safety (non-explosive/non-flammable)
- Relatively inexpensive to manufacture
Disadvantages:
- Slow Loading and Unloading Processes
- High system weights
- High energy consumption during discharge due to high binding forces (in metal hydrides)
4)Chemical Transport in Liquids
Hydrogen can be stored chemically in various liquids. These include, for example, LOHC, ammonia, and methane.
- Higher energy density than pure hydrogen
- No cooling or compression required
- Use of existing infrastructure is possible
Disadvantages:
- Significant energy losses during conversion and reconversion
- Additional chemical-specific drawbacks associated with LOHC, ammonia, methanol, or synthetic methane
