Penspen, a leading international energy consultancy, has been awarded a contract by Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) to provide H₂ gap analysis services on one of the most strategic energy infrastructure projects in Europe.

Under this new contract, Penspen’s UK-based engineering team will perform a comprehensive desktop and field assessment review of TAP’s above ground installations (AGIs), block valves (BVs) and compressor stations (CSs) to assess the feasibility of introducing H₂ blends to the existing gas pipeline, supporting TAP’s strategy of capacity expansion for new volumes of H₂ and other renewable gases to foster long-term sustainability and decarbonization in the region.

The 877 km TAP natural gas pipeline connects to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border, crossing Albania and the Adriatic Sea to connect to the gas network in southern Italy. Operational since the end of 2020, TAP is a key part of the Southern Gas Corridor and plays a significant role in boosting Europe’s energy security and supply diversification.

Darren Bartlett, Energy Transition Director at Penspen, commented, “Using our considerable in-house infrastructure repurposing experience, Penspen supports energy operators worldwide by enhancing access to lower-carbon fuels. By assessing the suitability of existing infrastructure, like the TAP pipeline, for H₂ blends, we continue to support the delivery of cleaner energy to the communities we work in.”

Luca Schieppati, TAP’s Managing Director, commented, “TAP has the potential to become a significant contributor to Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by potentially supplying the EU with carbon-neutral energy sources, such as H₂ blended with natural gas. Evaluating whether our above-ground installations are H₂-ready for H₂ blending with natural gas, with the support of an experienced supplier like Penspen, is an important step in this broader process. These efforts clearly demonstrate our commitment to innovation and a sustainable energy future for Europe.”

Angus Reid, Project Manager for the TAP project at Penspen, said, “We are delighted to be able to support another major international operator in meeting their energy transition goals. H₂ enablement of strategic transportation infrastructure is a key factor for long-term regional decarbonization. Supporting the introduction of H₂ into a major pipeline will promote H₂ generation projects in Southeastern Europe, as well as a multitude of H₂ use opportunities.”

The award builds on Penspen’s H₂ track record. Leveraging its extensive experience from thousands of completed hydrocarbon projects, Penspen informs the development of future fuel infrastructure, including repurposing existing systems for H₂ and CO₂ transportation and processing.

The contract from TAP is the latest in a string of H₂ services awards for the company in the UK and Europe. Last month, Penspen announced they were supporting Latvian gas operator Conexus Baltic Grid with H₂ blend feasibility and integrity services for its existing natural gas pipeline network. They have also supported Portuguese national gas transmission operator REN-Gasodutos by providing H₂ readiness assessments down to component level for up to 100% H₂ blends, and engineering services for the design of nine H₂ blending stations that will be used to inject and blend H₂ into the natural gas transmission and distribution system.

In the UK, Penspen supported EET H₂ with front-end engineering design (FEED), consenting, land, environment and stakeholder engagement services for the HPP1 low-carbon H₂ plant, an integral part of HyNet, one of the UK Government’s two Track 1 clusters for industrial decarbonization.