Kawasaki hydrogen MoU targets pipeline test

Transgaz and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding on October 23, 2026, covering strategic cooperation in hydrogen transport, related energy infrastructure and joint projects in Romania. The announcement was published by Transgaz.

Demonstration project takes shape

The partners plan to demonstrate Kawasaki’s centrifugal hydrogen compressor technology for onshore pipeline transport in Romania. The project is estimated at 21 million euros and includes equipment, technology, research and testing activities, according to industry coverage by Pipeline & Gas Journal.

The first phase is designed to test pure hydrogen transport in a closed-loop system. An electrolyzer is also planned for use in Transgaz’s ROHYD pilot, which studies hydrogen and natural gas blends in the national transmission system.

Long-term infrastructure strategy

Transgaz said its ten-year transmission system development plan includes more than 4.9 billion euros of projects to adapt natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen blended with natural gas. The company is also a member of the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative.

The memorandum does not yet set the project site, the division of responsibilities or the timetable. Those points are expected to be defined in a subsequent project agreement.

Transgaz business profile

Transgaz operates Romania’s national natural gas transmission system and develops infrastructure for gas transport. Its activities also include preparing the network for hydrogen and other lower-carbon gases.

The company is positioning its Romanian network as part of a wider Central and Eastern European energy corridor. Its competitive profile is therefore shaped by regional transmission infrastructure and specialist gas-system expertise rather than by gas production or retail sales.