Netherlands Institute for Public Safety (NIPV) releases study on conditions for safe reuse of gas pipelines for hydrogen

On 12 February 2026, the Netherlands Institute for Public Safety (NIPV) published a report examining the safety implications of transporting hydrogen through existing high-pressure steel natural gas pipelines. The study was commissioned by several Dutch safety regions concerned about how hydrogen affects the material properties of these pipelines.

The report focuses on two key degradation mechanisms caused by hydrogen exposure: embrittlement, which reduces the steel’s resistance to crack growth, and fatigue, which accelerates the growth of microscopic cracks. It outlines the conditions under which these processes occur and highlights critical safety considerations for repurposing existing infrastructure.

According to the findings, the reuse of natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport is possible, provided that a thorough technical assessment confirms the material quality, current condition, and design are suitable for hydrogen service.

The report also identifies necessary measures for safe hydrogen transport. By making this knowledge available, NIPV aims to strengthen the information base for authorities and stakeholders when discussing the safety of hydrogen transport via existing gas infrastructure.

You can find the report ‘Measures for the Transport of Hydrogen through Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines’ here (in Dutch).