MOB Transition Pathways – Future Asset Integrity

The initial Hydrogen in MOBs project established the foundational evidence for hydrogen conversion, and this follow-on project will address remaining evidence gaps identified by the CFA, finalising the safety and regulatory case for MOB hydrogen conversion and enabling a clear handover of outputs to industry. This work also doubles up as an assessment of options we have today to deliver practical and safe designs, introducing a new range of risk mitigation options which could be more cost effective and efficient way of managing MOBs and pipe assets. As a practical assessment of technical requirements for conversion, this closes out CFA recommendations through applied testing to solve engineering and safety challenges but also informs current processes.

Key deliverables include validated technical data, an updated Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) for MOBs, an updated management procedure, and a revised IGEM/G/5 Hydrogen Supplement, to be formally handed over to IGEM for review. Together these outputs will close out the regulatory and procedural workstream associated with hydrogen in MOBs research.

The project’s findings will also directly support the development of a decision-making framework to support refurbishment and riser replacement programmes. This will enable the industry to make consistent, evidence-based decisions on the most appropriate options for MOBs, including where alternatives to hydrogen may be more suitable.