Basel, August 2025 – Pipeline pioneer Purapipe International GmbH and Gas Networks Ireland the operator of Ireland’s gas network, have agreed to pilot and test innovative new pipeline technology in Ireland. The project will test and evaluate how a new generation of pipeline transport technology can improve efficiency, reduce emission and safely transport renewable gases such as biomethane and green hydrogen supporting the Irish Government National Biomethane and Hydrogen strategies.
Through this pilot project, both Purapipe and Gas Networks Ireland are demonstrating their commitment to innovation in how the utility sector can support Irelands clean energy transition. The long-term goal is to show how advanced pipeline technology can reduce the carbon footprint of the infrastructure, reduce investment and operating costs, and improve overall efficiency.
Phased implementation with a focus on safety and practicality
The initial pilot will involve the installation and evaluation of Purapipe pipelines under real-world operating conditions. Safety and integrity are central to the project with continuous real-time monitoring of the system built into every stage. The pilot will be rolled out in a series of coordinated phases.
The aim is to build confidence in this innovative pipeline technology. To support this, a rigorous risk management framework will be developed, taking into account both technical and operational aspects. A systematic and transparent approach will ensure the project delivers successful outcomes for all partners involved.
Technology with global interest
Purapipe’s patented pipeline technology is based on a unique approach: instead of being manufactured in factory facilities, pipelines are produced directly on site using mobile production platforms, creating a seamless, continuous composite pipeline. This method works for both onshore and offshore applications, with patents already granted in 58 countries, with further patent applications pending in over 20 countries.
The potential benefits are significant: over 80% lower CO₂ emissions over a service life of more than 50 years, reduced investment and operating costs, minimal maintenance requirements and a likely improved cost-benefit ratio compared to equivalent conventional steel or polyethylene pipeline.
As well as natural gas the technology has potential for deployment across multiple sectors from transporting water, wastewater, oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the safe and efficient transport of renewable gases such as hydrogen and biomethane, as well as ammonia, and supercritical carbon dioxide, in challenging operational and environmental conditions.
Collaboration with potential long-term benefits
For Purapipe, the pilot is not only a technological milestone, but also the start of a sustainable relationship with Gas Networks Ireland. The focus is on the development of future-proof pipeline transportation infrastructure systems that combine innovation, with potentially significant construction and operational cost-efficiencies while enabling the practical delivery of an environmentally friendly technology into an existing gas network.
To support this Purapipe have also established collaboration agreements with internationally recognised specialists including the Water Research Centre Limited (WRC) and Murphy International Limited to ensure the technology is safely and reliably tested in challenging, commercial operational environments.
For Gas Networks Ireland, the collaboration with Purapipe reflects its approach to innovation, overseen by a cross-business Innovation Steering Group. This group brings together internal and external experts to apply smart technologies to real-world challenges, with a focus on leadership, business processes, technology and people.
As a result of the pilot, Purapipe and Gas Network Ireland will jointly produce a detailed case study outlining the technical results and expected and environmental benefits. This will serve as an important reference for future potential adoption of this pipeline technology.
Strong contribution to the Energy Transition strategy
Jesper Steen, CEO of Purapipe International GmbH, is delighted about the collaboration:
“The results of the pilot will help assess the viability of Purapipe’s technology for wider use in Ireland’s gas network and beyond by potentially making a significant contribution to the implementation of Ireland’s national energy and climate strategy. The innovative pipeline technology fits perfectly into the goals of a low-carbon future and strengthens the competitiveness of sustainable, transportation infrastructure solutions. In addition, the project paves the way for European and international scaling of the pipeline technology – with positive effects on the critical aspects of security of supply, profitability and sustainability.”
Gas Networks Ireland’s Chief Operations Officer, Bobby Gleeson said:
“Gas Networks Ireland has a strong track record of innovation in how we develop and manage the national gas network. By working with international partners like Purapipe, we can explore new technologies that could potentially enhance the resilience of our network, reduce emissions and ensure that Ireland is ready to safely transport renewable gases such as hydrogen. This pilot is another example of how we are future-proofing the national gas network in support of Ireland’s energy transition goals.”
About Gas Networks Ireland
Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3bn, 14,758km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in Europe
Over 720,000 Irish homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport needs.
The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy and almost 50% of the country’s electricity generation.
Gas Networks Ireland is aiming to deliver a repurposed, resized and fully decarbonised gas network by 2045. Its “Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network” envisions transforming the existing gas network into two separate systems carrying 100% renewable gas, one dedicated to biomethane and the other to green hydrogen, with the potential to carry approximately 30% biomethane and 70% green hydrogen, as well as offering significant long term energy export opportunities.
About Purapipe Purapipe is a technical development company providing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and operation/maintenance contracts of their revolutionary pipeline technology to the Public and Private sectors. Purapipe’s patented pipeline technology is a unique combination of well-established and tested technologies transferred out of static manufacturing factories onto mobile pipeline production platforms, operating on both onshore and offshore construction sites. Patents have been granted in 58 countries and are pending in a further 20 countries. The novel Purapipe pipeline is produced onsite as a seamless, continuous composite structure, presenting notable economic, and environmental advantages over conventional transportation pipeline systems The innovative Purapipe pipeline technology can reduce Construction Time (by 50 to 80%), and Construction Costs can be decreased by 30 to 50% (CAPEX). Operational Costs can also be decreased (by 30 to 40%), and importantly, the annual, recurrent Maintenance Costs can be reduced (by 70 to 90%), enabling the potential achievement of a lower, annual combined operational/maintenance expenditure, (OPEX) by 60 to 75%. Construction Land (access ‘Right of Way’) can also be decreased by 50 to 75%, and the pipeline project ‘lead-time’ typically shortened from years to months. The innovative pipeline technology also provides the capability to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80%, throughout an operational lifespan exceeding 50 years, practically contributing towards a climate neutral, transportation infrastructure solution. |