Penspen, a leading international energy consultancy dedicated to improving access to secure and sustainable energy for communities worldwide, is expanding its energy transition project portfolio with the award of a H₂ blending contract from Latvian Natural Gas Operator, Conexus Baltic Grid.

Under this new contract, Penspen’s integrity team in the UK will assess the feasibility of introducing H₂ blends into Conexus’ existing natural gas pipeline network, in alignment with industry international and national codes and regulations, to help optimize existing gas infrastructure in Latvia for a cleaner energy future.

Leveraging its global expertise in H₂ integration and pipeline safety, Penspen will conduct studies to assess and provide recommendations to mitigate the effects of H₂ on pipeline steel properties, as well as examine the potential interactions with existing defects, to ensure structural integrity and ongoing safe operations under blended conditions. Penspen will provide essential insights to support Conexus’ safe and sustainable transition to H₂ and contribution to global decarbonization efforts.

Ali Alani, Director of Asset Integrity at Penspen, commented, “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/region. This is an excellent addition to our growing H₂ pipeline repurposing track record.”

Rolands Trenko, Project Manager at Conexus Baltic Grid, added, “I’m thrilled to collaborate on this project with a partner who brings such specialized expertise in materials engineering and pipeline analysis. The knowledge and experience Penspen have with pipelines of this age and region will be invaluable as we work to adapt our infrastructure for H₂ mix. Together, we’re setting a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future and furthering the transition to cleaner energy sources. I look forward to achieving great results together.”