Hydrogen pipelines play a crucial role in the global shift towards cleaner energy, a concerted initiative aimed at addressing climate change.

This program will offer a broad overview of the history of hydrogen and its pivotal role in the need for decarbonization, including the different production methods and uses of hydrogen. Specifically, the need for hydrogen pipelines, and the differences between hydrogen and natural gas pipelines, will be covered. These differences are driven by the different characteristics of hydrogen and natural gas, including the embrittling effects of gaseous hydrogen. The operational and risk consequence aspects of hydrogen compared to natural gas will be compared and available code guidance on the conversion of natural gas pipelines will be summarized. The theory of hydrogen embrittlement and its associated cracking threats and effects on mechanical properties will be covered, as well as the relevant testing requirements and protocols. Finally, the impact of these differences on defect assessments and fitness for purpose studies will be introduced, and the requirements for a holistic hydrogen conversion and integrity management process outlined.

The Hydrogen Pipelines: Facts, Opportunities and Solutions course is offered jointly by the University of Houston and the ROSEN Group. Successful candidates will receive a digital badge from UH Energy and certificate from ROSEN for completion of the course.