Pipeline transportation strategy and key technological breakthroughs for the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy industry under the “dual carbon” goals

Objective Under the “dual carbon” strategy and the ongoing energy transition, hydrogen energy—a clean, low-carbon secondary energy source—plays a crucial role in achieving deep decarbonization across transportation and industrial sectors. However, the hydrogen industry currently faces major challenges, including high utilization costs, inadequate infrastructure, and immature technology. Notably, storage and transportation have become primary barriers to large-scale adoption. Addressing the mismatch between hydrogen supply and demand, upgrading traditional energy infrastructure, and accelerating new energy system construction are urgent priorities.

Methods The strategic layouts and development status of the hydrogen energy industry domestically and internationally were investigated. National strategies and regional policies for hydrogen energy development in China were thoroughly analyzed. The industry’s layout and future trends were delineated, and critical challenges in its development were examined. Key technological difficulties and breakthrough points in hydrogen pipeline transportation were identified. Relevant recommendations were proposed based on the current state of hydrogen pipeline transportation in China.

Results The market demand for hydrogen energy in China is rising, but high utilization costs continue to impede large-scale industry growth. Pipeline transportation offers the most efficient and cost-effective solution for large-scale hydrogen distribution. However, China’s pipeline network remains underdeveloped, lacking a cross-regional system. The industry faces significant technical obstacles, including inadequate adaptability of transportation processes, prominent hydrogen embrittlement risks, difficulties in safe operation and maintenance, and an incomplete standards framework. These issues hinder efficient industry coordination. To address these challenges, a phased technological roadmap—short-, medium-, and long-term—tailored to China’s national context is recommended.

Conclusion To ensure high-quality development of the hydrogen energy industry, it is essential to prioritize the reconstruction of the pipeline transportation system, establish robust regulatory and standards frameworks, clarify certification and safety requirements for green hydrogen and pipeline operation, and accelerate research into core technologies. In the short term, demonstration projects for medium- and low-pressure hydrogen pipeline transportation should be initiated; in the medium term, a national hydrogen pipeline network should be developed; in the long term, an integrated hydrogen network featuring multi-energy collaboration should be established. Through industry chain collaboration and infrastructure integration, hydrogen storage and transportation costs can be systematically reduced, facilitating the transition from demonstration to commercialization. This will help build a low-carbon, efficient, and safe energy system and contribute to the early achievement of the “dual carbon” goals.