Summary of Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The hydrogen storage and transportation industry is a critical segment of the hydrogen energy value chain, involving the conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen, which can then be transformed back into electrical energy or used as a chemical feedstock. The high cost of hydrogen storage and transportation limits its economic viability in certain regions, necessitating a focus on reducing transportation costs for industry growth [2][10]. Key Points and Arguments Transportation Methods - Hydrogen can be stored and transported in three main forms: gaseous, liquid, and solid. Gaseous storage is primarily used for short distances, while liquid storage is more suitable for long-distance transport, such as exports from Canada and Australia to Japan and South Korea. Solid storage includes physical adsorption and metal hydrides [4][5]. Gaseous Hydrogen Storage - Gaseous hydrogen storage is currently the primary method for short-term use. While pressurization can enhance transport efficiency, the energy density remains low. For instance, a 40-liter steel cylinder at 15 MPa can only store about 0.5 kg of hydrogen, which is less than 1% of the cylinder's weight. Economic viability diminishes when pressures exceed 70-80 MPa [6][3]. Liquid Hydrogen Storage - Liquid hydrogen is advantageous for long-distance transport due to its higher density, being 1.8 times denser than gaseous hydrogen at 70 MPa. A 68 cubic meter tank can carry 4.8 tons of liquid hydrogen, significantly outperforming gaseous storage. However, the liquefaction process is energy-intensive, requiring approximately 15 kWh per kg, translating to a cost of about 7.5 yuan per kg [7][9]. Pipeline Transportation - Pipeline transportation is the most economical method for medium to long distances. China has approximately 2,500 kilometers of hydrogen transport pipelines, with potential for blending hydrogen into natural gas pipelines. If 20% of the natural gas consumption is blended with hydrogen, it could absorb around 7 million tons of hydrogen annually [11][12]. Regulatory Developments - In August 2023, China released the "Guidelines for Building Industrial System Standards," which outlines the construction of standards across the entire hydrogen value chain, including safety and other sub-systems. This initiative aims to promote healthy and standardized industry development [8]. Challenges and Risks - Liquid hydrogen has a high loss rate of about 1-2% per day due to its low vaporization latent heat, making it unsuitable for indirect applications like vehicles. However, it is commonly used in specific scenarios such as rocket launches. The domestic liquid hydrogen industry has achieved significant localization, with relevant national standards established [9]. Vehicle Storage Bottles - High-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage is widely used in vehicles, with ongoing developments transitioning from 35 MPa to 70 MPa standards. The fourth-generation bottles, made with plastic liners and carbon fiber, are lighter and can withstand higher pressures. The fifth-generation bottles are still in research [13]. Green Hydrogen Distribution - Green hydrogen is primarily produced in China's northern regions and is mainly applied in industrial and transportation sectors, particularly in coastal areas. A key challenge is the mismatch between local applications and industrial capabilities. Short-term strategies involve using long tube trailers, while long-term solutions will focus on pipeline transport and liquid forms for energy exports [14]. Additional Important Insights - The economic viability of liquid versus gaseous hydrogen transportation varies significantly with distance. Liquid storage becomes economically advantageous only for distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers [10]. - The blending of hydrogen into natural gas pipelines requires careful consideration of material risks, such as cracking and corrosion, with specific blending ratios outlined by national standards [12].