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Commissioning strategy for hydrogen transport pipelines in the UK

Evidence-led methods to de-risk first-of-a-kind pipeline commissioning for the hydrogen economy.

A collaboration led by Dr Amir Keshmiri from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, between ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½ and United Infrastructure Group, developed a structured technical framework for commissioning 100% hydrogen transmission pipelines in the UK.

The project translated international operational experience and emerging UK hydrogen trial evidence into a practical, standards-aligned approach designed to support safe delivery and informed entry into the hydrogen transport market.

Challenge

Hydrogen pipeline commissioning cannot replicate natural gas practice. Hydrogen’s low ignition energy, flame invisibility and material embrittlement risks demand stricter controls over drying, purging, leak-tightness verification and weld integrity.

At the same time, UK hydrogen standards are evolving, requiring a defensible and technically robust approach to assurance, evidence capture and regulatory engagement.

Innovation

• The project developed a hydrogen-specific commissioning methodology based on a dual-code approach, combining UK regulatory requirements with international hydrogen guidance.
• A Commissioning Assurance Register was defined to align acceptance criteria, verification testing and documentation into a single auditable structure.
• The work clarified practical controls for deep drying, inert purging, leak detection and emergency shutdown validation, creating a repeatable template for future hydrogen pipeline projects.

Impact

This work provides United Infrastructure with a clear technical basis for entering the hydrogen transmission sector. 

By positioning commissioning as a structured assurance process rather than a routine completion step, the project strengthens safety confidence, supports regulatory acceptance and builds internal capability for first-of-a-kind hydrogen delivery.

Callouts

• Enabling safe hydrogen infrastructure through evidence-led commissioning.
• Building confidence in the UK’s hydrogen transport future.