TIC Council’s Industrial Life Cycle Services (ILCS) Committee has completed its survey on European legislation concerning pipelines for transporting hydrogen—both pure and mixed. The results provide a timely snapshot of how regulatory frameworks across Europe are adapting (or not) to the growing demand for hydrogen infrastructure.
With massive investment underway to position hydrogen as a key pillar of the energy transition, there’s a real risk that regulation may lag behind. The ILCS survey seeks to clarify where we stand and where the gaps are—offering insight into emerging trends, inconsistencies, and missing links in national-level legislation.
What We Found
While most European countries legally allow the construction and commissioning of hydrogen pipelines, only a few have dedicated regulatory frameworks that address the specific challenges of transporting hydrogen—especially through repurposed infrastructure. That’s a problem.
Hydrogen presents unique technical challenges that distinguish it from other gases traditionally transported through pipelines. Its small molecular size allows it to permeate materials more easily, potentially leading to leaks. It can also cause embrittlement in certain metals, compromising the structural integrity of pipelines over time. Moreover, hydrogen is highly flammable, and under specific conditions, poses significant explosion risks. These characteristics underline the need for dedicated regulations to ensure safe and reliable hydrogen transportation.
A Fragmented Landscape
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the survey is the lack of regulatory harmonisation across the EU. Member States are moving at very different speeds, and with different approaches. This fragmentation could become a barrier to building an interconnected hydrogen market, potentially hindering cross-border trade and infrastructure development.
Survey Scope
The survey was based on eight targeted questions and drew on the expertise of TIC Council member companies operating across the EU, with additional insights from China, the US, and Canada for context. Topics included current legislation, infrastructure status, and plans for future hydrogen projects.
By providing this overview, the ILCS Committee aims to support the safe and consistent development of hydrogen transport infrastructure—before the regulatory gap becomes a bigger obstacle than the technology itself. Read the report here.