UK-based energy consultancy Penspen has been awarded a significant contract to evaluate the feasibility of integrating hydrogen blending into a prominent European gas pipeline.
This project, in collaboration with Tran Adriatic Pipeline AG, aims to explore the potential of introducing hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure. Penspen’s work will be conducted from its Aberdeen office, which gained 120 employees after acquiring C&I Engineering Solutions in October.
The 877km natural gas pipeline stretches from the Greek-Turkish border, passing through Albania and the Adriatic Sea, ultimately reaching southern Italy. Since becoming operational at the end of 2020, this pipeline has emerged as a crucial segment of the Southern Gas Corridor to Azerbaijan. It plays a vital role in enhancing Europe’s energy security and diversifying its energy supply.
Angus Reid, the Penspen project manager for the TAP project, emphasized the critical nature of enabling hydrogen in key transportation infrastructure, highlighting its significance for long-term regional decarbonization. He noted that incorporating hydrogen into a major pipeline would stimulate hydrogen generation projects and create numerous hydrogen utilization opportunities in southeastern Europe.
This contract with TAP is the latest example of Penspen’s increasing involvement in hydrogen initiatives. A subsidiary of Dubai-based Sidara, Penspen has secured various contracts to provide hydrogen-related services. In the UK, they received a front-end engineering and design contract from EET Hydrogen for the HPP1 low carbon hydrogen plant, which is part of the HyNet project. In Europe, they are also conducting hydrogen feasibility assessments for Latvian gas operator Conexus Baltic Grid and Portuguese gas transmission operator REN-Gasodutos.
Penspen’s growing presence in Scotland follows Sidara’s decision to withdraw from a potential takeover of rival Aberdeen-based Wood. The firm’s expanding expertise in hydrogen positions it favorably for future growth, especially in Scotland where hydrogen exports are considered a significant industrial opportunity by the Scottish government.
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