Badr Al-Mutairi1, Raed Al-Sharif1, Mohammed Al-Shaikhi1, Ashraf Balabel2,*
1M.Sc.-Program Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia.
2Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia.
*Corresponding author: Ashraf Balabel
Abstract
This research provides a detailed study of modern methods of hydrogen transportation in the context of a forthcoming global hydrogen economy. With rising visibility as a multi-purpose energy carrier with the capacity to reduce fossil fuel consumption, viable transport means are now critical for bridging production and consumption locations. This study compares five major transport options—compressed gaseous hydrogen, pipelines, liquid hydrogen, ammonia, and Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) within a framework considering economic sustainability, technical readiness, and scalability in varying distances and application environments. Findings reveal that the best transportation means vary greatly with conditions. Pipelines are the most economical means for short distances (<500 km), with transport prices for existing infrastructure starting from $0.1-0.2 USD/kg for routes under 100 km. Chemical carriers like ammonia are favored for overseas transport beyond 5,000 km. Each method has specific challenges to overcome; material compatibility and hydrogen embrittlement are universal concerns; liquefaction consumes 30-40% of the hydrogen's energy value; and chemical carriers have conversion inefficiencies of 15-35%. The development of infrastructure is constrained by high capital investment, geography, and uneven regulation. The research recommends developing intermodal transport networks with complementary modes, strategic investment in high-usage corridors, acceleration in technical research in priority areas, establishment of harmonized international standards, and application of targeted policy support measures. These combined actions can address existing challenges and help deliver effective, economic hydrogen transport networks to achieve worldwide clean energy objectives. No single transport means can be a panacea; a situation-specific, combined solution has the best possibility to be a leader.
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