India–Europe Relations in the Hydrogen Era: Why Transport Infrastructure Matters
- Guest Contributor
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Increasing Vitality of Hydrogen Transport
Green hydrogen has emerged as an important pillar in the evolving global energy transition. As an energy carrier produced using renewable power, hydrogen represents an attractive opportunity for achieving net-zero emissions in sectors such as heavy industry, long-haul transportation and energy storage. As such, there has been an increasing shift in both academic and policy circles from discussing hydrogen as an emerging fuel for power generation to discussing the green hydrogen infrastructure requirements for transport. This shift is particularly significant in the context of India–Europe Relations in the Hydrogen Era, where cooperation increasingly centers on technology, regulation, and transport efficiency.
Among the transport technologies, pipeline transport represents the most efficient method for transporting large quantities of hydrogen over long distances in national- and regional-scale energy systems. However, hydrogen exhibits distinct physical characteristics that distinguish it from other fuels and present transport challenges.
Why Hydrogen Pipelines Require Special Attention
Hydrogen, the lightest of all gases, has high diffusivity and possesses several thermodynamic characteristics. These characteristics are responsible for hydrogen transport through pipelines. Over longer distances, friction pressure losses due to gas-wall interactions are also significant factors in efficient transport.
The state of the pipeline plays a major role in this process. Newly constructed pipelines have smooth internal surfaces that are ideal for efficient transportation. However, over time, factors such as corrosion, wear, and aging increase the surface roughness, causing a reduction in the transport efficiency. A good knowledge of these factors is necessary for the efficient design of hydrogen pipelines and assessment of the viability of existing infrastructure.
As jurisdictions are looking forward to using existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen usage, a thorough evaluation of pipelines becomes a critical factor.For long transmission lines, friction pressure losses caused by interactions between gases and surfaces within the inner walls of a pipeline play an important role as a determinant for an efficient transport process.
The condition of the pipeline also significantly affects the process. Newly constructed transmission lines have a smooth inner surface that enhances the efficient transport of hydrogen gases. Over time, operational conditions such as corrosion, erosion, and fatigue may also increase the roughness of a pipeline’s inner surface.
India’s Expanding Role in the Green Hydrogen Sector
India has carved out as a major player in the global hydrogen economy. With its National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to position itself as a major producer of green hydrogen by leveraging its vast renewable energy potential. Simultaneously, India is also looking to push forward research, standards, and infrastructure development to help support the uptake of hydrogen technology. This includes storage, transport, and integration, which are crucial for transporting hydrogen from the point of production to the point of use.
To further fast-track growth, India is actively engaging in international cooperation with European countries, with greater focus on technology, policy, and market development instead of infrastructure development. India and the EU have established an institutional framework for cooperation on green hydrogen under the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. This includes collaborative work in research, development of standards, and harmonization of regulations, which will help fuel further growth in hydrogen markets.
India–Belgium Green Hydrogen Partnership
In 2025, GH₂ India and the Belgian Hydrogen Council entered a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the partnership between their respective hydrogen ecosystems. This move aims to enhance knowledge sharing, industrial cooperation, and policy dialogue, thereby reinforcing Belgium’s position as a hydrogen hub in Europe and India’s position as a hydrogen producer. This partnership highlights the increasing need for global coordination in hydrogen development, despite the fact that its infrastructure is still regionally based.
Infrastructure as the Enabler of Hydrogen Growth
While hydrogen production may often grab the headlines, infrastructure represents a vital ingredient for a hydrogen economy to function properly. The effectiveness of transport infrastructure helps to reduce energy losses, minimize costs, and ensure the overall reliability of the system. In this context, pipelines require detailed design and planning, considering factors such as material properties and aging effects on the pipeline. Studies on hydrogen flow behavior and pipeline performance can provide useful information for those involved in infrastructure development, regulation, and decision-making.
Looking Forward
With the growth in the use of hydrogen worldwide, the importance of transport efficiency is also expected to rise. Countries such as India are laying the foundation for a large hydrogen ecosystem, which will be supported by partnerships worldwide.
Safety, efficiency, and future-proofing will be key to ensuring that the infrastructure, especially pipelines, is effective in delivering the benefits of hydrogen in the fight against climate change.
The hydrogen revolution will depend not only on the production targets being met but also on ensuring that the infrastructure can provide clean energy where it is most needed.
This article is written by
Akshay Bambore
Researcher in hydrogen pipeline transport and energy systems at ULB Brussels
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or editorial stance of EIJ. EIJ provides a platform for diverse perspectives and informed debate. Responsibility for the accuracy of facts and interpretations rests solely with the author.
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