H2 pipeline can cost up to 68% more than nat gas pipeline; proposed code change to reduce cost

Material cost could be 37% (after the code change) more than natural gas pipe. I would think the labor would be majority of the cost.

Pipelines to carry hydrogen cost more than other gas pipelines because of the measures required to combat the damage hydrogen does to steel’s mechanical properties (e.g., hydrogen embrittlement, HE) over time. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have now calculated that hydrogen-specific steel pipelines can cost as much as 68% more than natural gas pipelines, depending on pipe diameter and operating pressure.[1] By contrast, a widely used cost model[2] suggests a cost penalty of only about 10%.

However, according to the new NIST study, hydrogen transport costs could be reduced for most pipeline sizes and pressures by modifying industry codes[3] to allow the use of a higher-strength grade of steel alloy without requiring thicker pipe walls.

As an example, the new code would allow a 24-inch (61 cm) pipe made of high-strength X70 steel to be manufactured with a thickness of 0.375 inches (9.52 mm) for transporting hydrogen gas at 1500 psi (10.3 MPa). (In line with industry practice, ASME pipeline standards are expressed in customary units.)

According to the new NIST study, this would reduce costs by 31% compared to the baseline X52 steel with a thickness of 0.562 inches (14.3 mm), as required by the current code.​

Green Car Congress: NIST calculates H2 pipeline can cost up to 68% more than nat gas pipeline; proposes code change to reduce cost