Hydrogen in the Gas Grid: Focus on the Technical-economic Considerations of Delivering Hydrogen via the Gas Grid

Virtual

A key finding from IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook is that a combination of technologies is needed to keep us on a 1.5°C climate pathway. In addition to the clear need for increased renewable energy sources, other sources and technologies such as hydrogen will play a necessary role in future energy systems.

Potential future roles of hydrogen include the delivery of hydrogen to replace fossil fuels and fossil-based feedstock and the use of the existing gas sector infrastructure and systems to deliver “green gases” such as hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane. IRENA research shows that despite a growing amount of research and project developments in promoting hydrogen concepts there are still uncertainties in terms of repurposing the gas grid. It is also clear that improved planning of the energy sector transformation calls for closer dialogue with governments, industry, experts and stakeholders to better understand the issues.

This workshop on the Technical-economic considerations of delivering hydrogen via the gas grid was the first in a series planned over 2021/22, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), to explore the issues through public/private dialogue under the Collaborative Framework on Green Hydrogen.

The objective of the first workshop was to clarify the latest research and projects and:

  • Share latest research and projects on the technical feasibility of introducing hydrogen into the gas grid.
  • Analyse the cost benefit of repurposing the gas grid to deliver hydrogen for end uses of heating, heavy industry and transportation.
  • Analyse the efficiency gains from using the gas grid to deliver hydrogen, in terms of cost, energy storage and supply reliability through coupling with the electricity infrastructure.
  • Discuss standards and certification developments related to the introduction of hydrogen into the gas grid.

This workshop was by invitation only, held under Chatham House Rules.