Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act

This bill aims to improve public-private partnerships and increase federal research, development, and demonstration related to next generation pipeline systems. It authorizes funding for several new programs and initiatives at the Department of Energy, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Sec. 2, Definitions: Defines key terms used in the bill, including the Department of Energy, eligible entities (such as universities, national labs, private companies, and consortia), the Secretary of Energy, and technical standards.

Sec. 3, Coordination: Requires the Secretary of Energy to avoid duplication and coordinate with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and various Department of Energy offices, and also with the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Secretary of the Interior, and other federal agencies.

Sec. 4, Advanced Pipeline Materials and Technologies Demonstration Initiative: Amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to establish a demonstration initiative. The Secretary will award financial assistance through a competitive process for projects on low- to mid-technology readiness level subjects, focusing on areas like advanced leak detection, novel materials, retrofitting, advanced sensors, computational models, self-healing technologies, robotics, cybersecurity, and environmental impact reduction. Authorizes $45 million for fiscal year 2026 and $50 million for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030, with the section terminating after five years.

Sec. 5, Joint Research and Development Program: Establishes a joint research and development program within the Department of Energy to develop cost-effective advanced materials and technologies for pipelines, enable commercialization, and support technical standards. Requires a memorandum of understanding among the Secretaries of Energy and Transportation and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The program will use existing infrastructure and develop new infrastructure as needed, with goals and metrics for each agency. Authorizes $20 million for fiscal year 2026 and $30 million for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030, terminating after five years.

Sec. 6, National Pipeline Modernization Center: Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Pipeline Modernization Center to collaborate with industry and stakeholders on research, development, and demonstration projects focused on commercializing cost-effective products. The center will be administered by an eligible entity selected on a competitive basis, located near critical pipeline infrastructure, and will coordinate with training centers of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $15 million for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

Sec. 7, NIST Pipeline Metrology: Directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out a program of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure pipeline integrity and support safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. The Director shall allocate up to $2.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for this section.

Sec. 8, Authorization of Appropriations: Authorizes appropriations for sections 5 and 6 from funds already authorized for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. Also amends the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to extend authorization through 2030 and adjust funding levels, including adding $455 million for pipeline research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities.