Land-based transportation methods of clean hydrogen

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis investigates different land-based transportation methods of clean hydrogen. The goal of the thesis is to investigate suitability of the methods for transporting clean hydrogen in the western coast of Finland. The topic is approached by researching technical aspects of transportation methods and their capacities. Additionally, economical perspectives are briefly covered. This thesis is a literature review and a systematic collection of existing information on the topic.

The thesis initially reviews Finland’s hydrogen strategy, which includes governments and companies plans regarding hydrogen. Afterwards, an overview of clean hydrogen and its production are presented, following an examination of the transportation methods. Methods covered in this thesis are road, rail, and pipeline transportation. Lastly, issues to consider when choosing the transportation methods are discussed, including the associated transportation costs.

Main finding of the thesis is that the most favorable transportation method is hydrogen pipeline in case demand and supply of hydrogen are large. Large demand in this context means thousands of tons of hydrogen daily. Other transportation methods can be considered for shorter distances and smaller transportation capacities. Although limited by the lack of detailed information due to the relative early stage of a number of hydrogen-related projects in Finland, the results and conclusions of the thesis can offer a guiding approximation in considering different hydrogen transportation methods.