It is possible to transport hydrogen through an existing natural gas pipeline by adjusting the pipeline to handle hydrogen gas. This can be done by reducing the pressure of the pipeline, increasing the wall thickness of the pipeline to withstand the higher pressures of hydrogen gas, and adding hydrogen-specific materials to the pipeline to prevent corrosion. The process of adapting an existing natural gas pipeline for hydrogen transportation is known as "repurposing."

This process involves a number of steps, including:

·         Cleaning and purging the pipeline: The pipeline must be cleaned and purged of any residual natural gas or other contaminants before hydrogen can be transported through it.

·         Inspecting the pipeline: The pipeline must be inspected for any defects or damage that could compromise its integrity during hydrogen transmission.

·         Making necessary repairs: Any defects or damage that are found during the inspection process must be repaired before the pipeline can be used for hydrogen transmission.

·         Adjusting the pipeline operations: The pipeline's operating pressure and flow rate may need to be adjusted to accommodate hydrogen transmission.

·         Adding hydrogen-specific infrastructure: The pipeline may need to be equipped with additional infrastructure, such as hydrogen-specific pumps and compressors, to facilitate the transmission of hydrogen.

·         Ensuring safety: It is important to implement safety measures, such as installing hydrogen detectors and emergency shutdown systems, to ensure the safe transmission of hydrogen through the pipeline.

·         Replace instrumentation for ATEX IIC class electrical equipment in the Hydrogen plant/pipeline.

One potential advantage of using an existing pipeline for hydrogen transportation is that it can save time and money compared to building a new pipeline specifically for hydrogen. However, there are also some challenges and risks associated with repurposing a pipeline for hydrogen. For example, it is important to carefully assess the condition of the pipeline and ensure that it is suitable for hydrogen transportation. It is also important to consider the impact on the local community and environment during the repurposing process.

The European Hydrogen Backbone study counts with the idea that 75 percent of the hydrogen distribution network should be based on the existing infrastructure, the remaining 25 percent will have to be built up. The EU counts with a shortage of clean hydrogen until 2030 at least, which will mean a need for import (Galík, 2021, s. 62).

Hydrogen can come from many more countries than natural gas. This makes imports less geopolitically dependent.