OPTIMISATION OF HYDROGEN TRANSPORT ROUTES

Abstract

This article examines issues relating to the safe and cost-effective transport of hydrogen across the Caspian Sea, taking into account natural-geographical, technical, environmental and infrastructural factors. Particular attention is paid to the selection of technologies for the storage and transport of hydrogen, including compressed and liquid hydrogen, ammonia, liquid organic hydrogen carriers and metal hydrides. The specific features of their application in the Caspian region are highlighted; this region is characterised by significant spatial variation in depth, shallow waters in the northern part, seasonal ice cover, high sedimentation loads and sea-level fluctuations.

The Caspian Sea is of particular interest for the development of trans-regional hydrogen corridors, as it links the energy resources of Central Asia with the markets of the Caucasus and Europe. At the same time, the ecological sensitivity of the basin, the presence of endemic species—including the Caspian seal—as well as the potential risks of hydrogen and ammonia leaks necessitate the application of enhanced safety requirements for transport infrastructure.

This paper proposes a comprehensive approach to route optimisation, based on consideration of bathymetry, sediment accumulation, seismic hazard, ice and hydrometeorological conditions, shipping traffic, environmental vulnerability and technical and economic indicators. The necessity of using geoinformation and multi-criteria modelling to identify optimal hydrogen corridors is justified. The potential of hybrid transport solutions and dynamic routing using modern monitoring and forecasting systems is demonstrated. The findings can be utilised in the development of concepts for safe hydrogen logistics and the establishment of international energy corridors in the Caspian region.