Portugal’s REN readies network for 10% hydrogen this year
Portugal’s gas system operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) is aiming to get certification to introduce up to 10% hydrogen in the gas transmission network before the end of 2023.
With this in mind REN has reported starting to remodel the 16 chromatographs in the network, which measure the quality of the gas that is being transported.
A REN statement says that this action is fundamental for obtaining “still in 2023, the certification to, in a first phase, receive and transport up to a maximum of 10% of hydrogen in the national gas network”.
The operation follows technical studies that were initiated in 2022 under the H2REN programme to identify the changes necessary to the storage, transmission and distribution infrastructure for up to 10% hydrogen blends.
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The altered chromatographs are also expected to considerably reduce the consumption of helium in the analyses, instead using argon.
In the first phase these first changes will be subject to a period of monitoring, using the data conventionally returned to the dispatch centre and via remote access.
REN outlines its strategy for renewable gases as based on the two main pillars of the adaptation of the existing infrastructure to accommodate these gases and the development of 100% hydrogen infrastructure.
Under Portuguese law, the national gas infrastructures must be hydrogen ready for blends up 5% by 2025 and 10-15% by 2030.
Portugal’s national gas transmission network has a length of approximately 1,375km across the country.
Portuguese gas distributor Portgás initiated studies on the injection of hydrogen in the gas network in 2021.
Within the scope of the H2REN project, Portgás has recently contracted the Netherlands-based Kiwa to assess the hydrogen compatibility of its assets, in particular its low pressure gas network.
In other activities Portgás also has upgraded its modelling capability with DNV’s Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder. With the new capability, the company should be able to build gas network models in a matter of days instead of weeks as previously.
Such automated network models are intended for daily maintenance monitoring of the medium and low pressure distribution networks.
