Hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting decarbonization goals. Many oil and natural gas transmission companies are involved in different projects to design, repurpose and later to operate H₂/CO₂ pipelines, and to contribute to the reduction of CO? emissions. Handling H₂/CO₂ comes with different challenges that need to be understood and managed to successfully build and operate such a pipeline.

Pipeline operators transporting oil and natural gas, having no or limited experience with H₂/CO₂ transport, would like to understand the specific risks associated with the new pipelines, and how can they be effectively mitigated or managed. To operate H₂/CO₂ pipelines, additional operational activities compared to oil and gas service will be required. The inspection methods, the organizational and the operational requirements, and the associated costs might differ between the H₂/CO₂ pipeline and the existing oil and natural gas pipelines. While lots of effort has been put into technical H₂/CO₂ readiness assessment, it is equally important to assess the operational activities, organizational requirements, and associated costs specific to transporting H₂/CO₂ compared to traditional natural gas and oil pipelines. This will help develop an optimal operational organization and to achieve synergy between the H₂/CO₂ pipeline and the existing oil and natural gas pipelines.

DNV has proposed a structured methodology to help operators to complete the organization readiness to transport H₂/CO₂ in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner. The methodology is focused on the evaluation of the suitability of the existing standards, procedures and methodologies, and the identification of the required additional operational activities considering the limitations and threats for H₂/CO₂ service. It will help to ensure safe and efficient operation while meeting regulatory compliance, public acceptance and environmental considerations.