DNV is set to bolster Europe’s hydrogen distribution networks with the company now leading a study that will identify the potential of transporting hydrogen through these networks.

Revealed today (Dec 3), the study will be used as part of the Ready4H2 project with aims to combine the hydrogen expertise and experiences from across 80 European gas distribution companies and organisations to create a rich hydrogen economy.

As part of the study, DNV will analyse how the European gas distribution networks can support the growing demand for hydrogen within Europe.

Pipelines could be a major contribution to transporting vast amounts of hydrogen across the continent and thus DNV’s research will help prove that this is both efficient and capable.

Peter Kristensen of EVIDA and project leader, 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.”

Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice-President for Energy Systems of Northern Europe at DNV, said, “Projects like Ready4H2 are very important to a successful energy transition.

“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 utilised for such purpose and aims to combine the hydrogen expertise and experiences across European gas distribution companies.”