Penspen has been awarded a hydrogen blending contract by Latvian natural gas operator Conexus Baltic Grid, boosting its portfolio of energy transition projects. The contract will see Penspen’s UK-based integrity team assess the feasibility of introducing hydrogen blends into Latvia’s existing natural gas pipeline network.
The project aims to align the infrastructure with international and national regulations, paving the way for a cleaner energy future in Latvia. Penspen’s scope includes studying the effects of hydrogen on pipeline steel properties, examining interactions with existing defects and ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the network under blended conditions.
Ali Alani, Director of Asset Integrity at Penspen, said, “We are very pleased to be awarded this project and excited to be working with Conexus Baltic Grid. The project scope aligns well with our materials engineering and pipeline analysis core strengths as well as our extensive knowledge of pipes from that age and region. This is a good addition to our growing H2 pipeline repurposing track record.”
Rolands Trenko, Project Manager at Conexus Baltic Grid, highlighted the importance of Penspen’s involvement in the initiative, adding, “The knowledge and experience Penspen have with pipelines of this age and region will be invaluable as we work to adapt our infrastructure for hydrogen mix. Together, we’re setting a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future and furthering the transition to cleaner energy sources.”
Hydrogen at COP29
Hydrogen has emerged as a focal point of COP29’s energy transition strategy. The newly-signed Hydrogen Declaration commits global stakeholders to scale up renewable, clean and low-carbon hydrogen production while transitioning away from fossil fuel-based hydrogen. It also encourages countries to include hydrogen in their climate and energy plans and monitor progress at COP30.
Alongside the Declaration, the COP29 Presidency launched two additional energy initiatives: the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, targeting 1,500 GW of energy storage and 25 million kilometres of grid expansion by 2030, and the Green Energy Pledge, promoting interconnected power grids to deliver renewable energy to underserved regions.
Industry leaders have rallied behind these initiatives. Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, called the Hydrogen Declaration “a historical step” in global climate discussions. IEA Director Fatih Birol emphasised the urgency of energy storage and grid development, while IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera highlighted the initiatives as “vital to keep the window towards 1.5°C open.”
