KOGAS is the world’s largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and transports the regasified fuel nationwide through its extensive high-pressure gas pipeline network.

The two-year project will assess the scope for blending hydrogen with natural gas in KOGAS’ 5,000-kilometre-long domestic transmission network. More specifically, DNV will assess the pipeline network’s suitability for hydrogen blending, provide technical and advisory support to KOGAS’s hydrogen blending test project on Jeju Island and provide support to KOGAS in addressing the requirements of South Korea’s regulatory authorities in overseeing hydrogen’s integration and uptake.

The work plan includes assessing and demonstrating the viability and impact of blending hydrogen with natural gas at various ratios in KOGAS’ transmission pipeline system, advising on the options, construction and operation of hydrogen injection facilities and equipment, reviewing methods for controlling the concentration of hydrogen blending for customers, providing on-site technical support and data analysis for the hydrogen demonstration project and supporting KOGAS in addressing the requirements of the energy regulator through the application of knowledge gained in related projects internationally.

DNV is working globally with an increasing number of gas pipeline companies to safely repurpose gas transmission and distribution networks for the integration of blended and 100% hydrogen gas. In addition, DNV’s Spadeadam research facility in the UK is conducting full-scale testing on the safe transportation of hydrogen in gas networks through to the appliances in homes.

“DNV’s global technical expertise across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to end use, means we are uniquely placed to support the world’s largest LNG importer KOGAS in creating value from hydrogen while also helping South Korea transition to a decarbonized energy future,” said Dr. Lim Dong Ho, South Korea Market Area Manager, Energy Systems at DNV.

“Our global hydrogen network of multidisciplinary experts, which has grown in Asia with key recruitments in 2022, has already been involved in numerous hydrogen initiatives across the energy and maritime industries, and we are in a unique position to cover the whole hydrogen value chain and maintain relations with all its key stakeholders,” added Brice Le Gallo, Vice President and Regional Director APAC, Energy Systems at DNV.

Our 2022 Energy Transition Outlook forecasts that hydrogen production for energy purposes will meet 9% of Asia-Pacific energy demand by 2050, and together with industry and governments, we are helping solve the technical challenges associated with adopting hydrogen as a leading fuel in the energy transition, to accelerate its uptake and meet our climate goals.