NTT to Study Hydrogen Transportation Through Existing Pipelines
NTT Anode Energy Corporation has announced a joint research initiative with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Toyota Tsusho to study safety measures for hydrogen transportation via existing pipelines. The project aims to create a proof-of-concept for a double-piping system, addressing hydrogen leakage detection and performance evaluation of sensors. This endeavor serves to enhance the feasibility and safety of hydrogen transport and support urban hydrogen supply, aligning with the sustainable clean energy goals.
- Collaboration with reputable partners enhances credibility.
- Focus on safety and technical standards may increase investor confidence.
- Potential for establishing hydrogen transportation infrastructure could lead to future revenue streams.
- The project is still in research phases, with no immediate financial impact.
- Challenges in large-scale transportation infrastructure could delay implementation.
Study to Advance the Implementation of Practical, Stable Transportation of Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Source Across the Globe

Business Model Image (Graphic: Business Wire)
According to a paper published by the
The study will examine a double-piping system in which a hydrogen pipeline is placed in an existing pipe (the “sheath pipe”) buried underground. Factors to be measured and contributed to the formulation of technical standards include:
- On-site investigation of hydrogen leakage detection
- Verification of detection of signs of abnormality
- Establishment of a control sequence to ensure safety
- Performance evaluation of various hydrogen sensors in a real-world environment
Safety measures will be investigated under the assumption of unsteady conditions including rupture accidents and natural disasters during pipeline operation. In addition to examining the safety measures necessary for such use of existing pipelines, the study will verify the profitability of such projects, including cost analysis of transportation; energy input; and economic efficiency, as compared to other hydrogen transportation means.
Based on the knowledge and data gained through this project, NTT Anode Energy and its collaborators will promote and establish technical studies on safety measures for practical use. Ultimately, the project will also support the future supply of hydrogen to urban areas (e.g., public and commercial facilities, data centers and communications buildings; fuel cell vehicles; hydrogen stations, etc.), supply through pipelines utilizing communication pipelines (e.g., cable tunnels) and will contribute to the development of smart cities and the establishment of hydrogen supply means through pipelines in regions with a view to a society that consumes a large amount of hydrogen through the development of CO2-free hydrogen.
This project is being conducted in accordance with the "Research and development for the full-scale popularization of ultra-high pressure hydrogen infrastructure/Research and development for international development, international standardization, etc./Research and study for the examination of technical standards for hydrogen supply infrastructure, etc." of the
Primary Areas of Research by Collaborator
NTT Anode Energy
- Hydrogen leakage detection;
- Abnormal sign detection;
- Hydrogen sensors investigation;
- Investigation of residual hydrogen concentration at the time of hydrogen leakage; and
- Investigation of explosion effect of manhole cover
AIST
- Investigation of fire flame behavior caused by the ignition of leaked hydrogen in a simulated double piping system
Toyota Tsusho
- Clarification of unit costs through verification of equipment, installation and safety costs; and
- Verification of advantageous conditions and business establishment requirements of pipeline transportation
About
As a company focused on leveraging the information communications technology and DC power supply technologies of the
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005285/en/
Media Contact:
For
+1-804-362-7484
srussell@wireside.com
Source:
FAQ
What is the purpose of NTT Anode Energy's recent project?
Who are the collaborators in NTT Anode Energy's hydrogen research?
What technology will be investigated in the hydrogen transportation project?
What are the expected outcomes of the NTT Anode Energy hydrogen project?