ABSTRACT The development of hydrogen energy (HE) has complex impacts on the natural gas (NG) industry chain across production, transportation, storage, and application stages. This paper contributes to the risk identification and transmission characteristic analysis of industry coupling on the NG industry chain. We first identify 37 risk factors in the NG industry chain under multiple coupling modes with the HE industry, and then develop a two‐layer complex network research framework to reveal the intricate interrelationships between these elements. An improved gravity model is integrated into the framework for more accurate risk influence evaluation. Based on this analysis, key risks and transmission paths are identified. The framework further facilitates exploring the collaborative potential of coupling modes. On this basis, scenario analysis is performed to reveal phased risk characteristics of the NG industry chain in the context of HE development. We conclude by suggesting establishing a risk‐buffering community to promote collaborative governance throughout the entire industry chain.
Ma et al. (2026) studied this question.