Logistics and infrastructure planning for the hydrogen energy transition

To build a carbon-neutral energy system, we need a way to store energy from intermittent sources like wind and solar, whose output mismatches the timing and scale of energy demand. Green hydrogen, produced using this renewable electricity, serves as a clean solution for energy storage. It can be transported like natural gas and used to power vehicles, heat homes, or supply factories, all without carbon emissions. While the promise is immense, the logistics of creating a new hydrogen supply chain from the ground up are complex and costly.

This thesis tackles three logistical challenges that arise during the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system based on green hydrogen. First, in the early stages, when hydrogen is delivered by trucks, how can we schedule reliable deliveries when the supply is unpredictable? Next, as the economy grows, planners face important decisions about its pipeline network. When to build new pipelines or convert old gas pipelines for hydrogen, without knowing exactly what future demand will look like? Finally, in a mature system, how can daily logistics adapt to real-world disruptions like delays or sudden changes in supply?

Using methods from Operations Research, this thesis develops practical tools to answer each of these questions. These tools help design robust truck routes, guide long-term investment strategies to mitigate risk, and enable smart, flexible dispatching of vehicles. Validated with case studies in the Northern Netherlands, our solutions can cut costs and improve the reliability of the system, supporting a timely and cost-effective transition to green hydrogen.

Dissertation: https://hdl.handle.net/11370/b1918448-40c7-42ad-b96f-56c8be6441ec