Green2TSO to transform Europe’s gas transmission network for hydrogen
Green2TSO is an open innovation initiative led by the Spanish, French and Portuguese gas transmission system operators (TSOs).
The TSOs, Spain’s Enagás, France’s GRTgaz and Teréga and Portugal’s REN, aim to bring an open innovation approach to transforming the gas network with new technologies to make it fit for hydrogen.
Under the agreement, the TSO consortium will carry out pilot projects, technological tests and other tasks to accelerate the transformation of the natural gas network.
Technology areas to be prioritised will include those for the development of hydrogen, compression and above-ground hydrogen storage and alternatives for coating and cleaning pipelines.
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A project in the area of hydrogen measurement led by the Green2TSO consortium, ‘Green2TSO OPTHYCS’, has already been selected for co-financing by the European Commission.
“The collaboration of TSOs in the field of innovation is crucial for the development of a renewable gas infrastructure in Europe,” said Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagás.
“This agreement fits perfectly into the common objective of the European Union to decarbonise the economy and advance energy independence, as stated in the REPowerEU strategy. [It] also will strengthen the capabilities necessary for the development of the activities of the hydrogen network operator (HNO).”
The Green2TSO initiative is expected to support the development of a future European hydrogen backbone comprised of existing and new pipelines for hydrogen transmission across the region.
The European Hydrogen Backbone initiative currently underway by 31 energy infrastructure operators is defining a hydrogen infrastructure, with proposals for an approximately 53,000km backbone for 2040 comprised of 60% repurposed and 40% new pipelines. The investment requirement is estimated between €80-143 billion ($85-152 billion).
Rodrigo Costa, President and CEO of REN, said the Green2TSO agreement is a very important step forward for the European energy transition.
“This joint effort is essential for the widespread use of green hydrogen in the fight against climate change and for the decarbonisation of the economy.”
Thierry Trouve, CEO of GRTgaz, said the company will support the initiative with the expertise and facilities of its RICE R&D centre.
Dominique Mockly, President and CEO of Teréga, which operates in southwestern France, commented that the initiative is key to promoting research and innovation in the area of hydrogen.
