DNV has been contracted by Ready4H2 to lead a study investigating the potential of European hydrogen distribution networks.
The Norwegian energy expert said that it will work to produce a roadmap for European distribution networks to show how they can unlock the growth potential of hydrogen utilization.
Ready4H2 is a European project that aims to combine the hydrogen expertise and experiences from across 80 European gas distribution companies and organizations from about 15 countries.
The study will include qualitative research and analysis of the experiences that the European gas distribution companies have with hydrogen, DNV said.
This will be divided into specific hydrogen activities on projects, infrastructure, national involvement and on the progression of National hydrogen strategies, the company added.
Study project leader Peter Kristensen said: “The European gas distribution network is enormous – and the Ready4H2 projects represents more than 1.5 million kilometres of pipeline across Europe.
“There is a significant upside if large parts of the gas distribution network can be repurposed and extended, since they will drive the transition from natural gas to hydrogen at a lower cost compared to developing a new network.
“To collect knowledge with gas distributors, establish how contributions to the hydrogen value chain can be made and developing a roadmap for transforming Europe’s gas distribution infrastructure is a key part of DNV’s study.”
DNV executive vice president for energy systems in Northern Europe Prajeev Rasiah (pictured) said: “Our Energy Transition Outlook showed that it is vital to stimulate the demand for hydrogen and provide consumers with easier access to the energy, especially in the emission intensive “hard-to-abate” sectors.
“The Ready4H2 project provides knowledge on how gas distribution infrastructure may be utilized for such purpose and aims to combine the hydrogen expertise and experiences across European gas distribution companies.”
“Getting these companies to work together is a major success and DNV is proud to aid this objective in creating a roadmap for European Hydrogen infrastructure.
“Our study aims to accelerate this process and we expect the participant list to grow across the European gas distribution companies.”
DNV head of customer relations and sales for Northern Europe Mick Cramer Jakobsen said: “This is an important project to achieve the transformation, to get Power to X (PtX) into gas transport; and with our vast experience with hydrogen and infrastructure across Europe, we are uniquely positioned to drive this study.
“The hope is that when the project is complete, introducing hydrogen to the infrastructure will be within reach and will transform the natural gas system.”