Cenit Explores Hydrogen Transport via Existing Infrastructure

Colombian oil pipeline operator Cenit is contemplating repurposing its extensive pipeline and polyduct network to transport clean hydrogen, signaling a strategic shift in its business model.

Vidal Ramírez, Cenit’s head of operational planning, shared in a recent interview that the company is actively exploring the potential of leveraging its vast infrastructure—comprising 6,650km of pipelines and 54 plants across Colombia—for the transportation of hydrogen to the nation’s primary consumer markets. Ramírez emphasized that the company, in collaboration with national and international experts, is conducting specific studies to assess the feasibility of using existing infrastructure for transporting alternative energy sources.

Cenit is not alone in this venture. Other major players in the Colombian energy landscape, including Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB) and Promigas, are also expressing interest in adapting their gas transport networks to tap into the growing hydrogen economy. However, these ambitions face significant hurdles in the form of Colombia’s bureaucratic complexities and regulatory bottlenecks.

As a unit of the Colombian state-run oil firm Ecopetrol, Cenit is not limiting itself to pipeline innovations. The company is concurrently working on a hydrogen mobility pilot in Bogotá, aiming to power the city’s Transmilenio bus system—an initiative illustrating the practical applications of hydrogen in the transportation sector.

In addition to its hydrogen endeavors, Cenit is actively investing in renewable power generation, energy efficiency, and carbon-offsetting initiatives. This holistic approach aligns with a broader decarbonization strategy, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Cenit’s exploration of hydrogen transport through existing infrastructure marks a pioneering endeavor in Colombia’s energy sector. The potential integration of hydrogen into Colombia’s pipeline network not only reflects a commitment to cleaner energy but also underscores the adaptability and vision of key players in the face of evolving energy paradigms.