Ready4H2 research results shared on global platform

The International Gas Union (IGU) recently published the fifth edition of its newly launched Gas in Transition magazine, featuring an article on the vital role of local hydrogen distribution networks in operating in parallel with the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB). The article is based on research conducted by the Ready4H2 project and was co-authored by the project director, Barbara Jinks, and Steering Committee Chairman, Thomas Muller (Hydrogen Director at GRDF).

The IGU is the global organisation representing the entire gas value chain. The aim of the Gas in Transition series is to serve as a platform to share industry insights on the evolution towards more sustainable gases, showcasing innovative technologies, research, and best practices with over 40,000 policymakers and industry leaders worldwide. Barbara is active in two committees with the IGU - strategy for green gases and hydrogen distribution. 

The featured article, titled Europe Needs More Than the European Hydrogen Backbone, outlines the mission of the Ready4H2 project and presents key findings from its 2024 research activities. These include:
• A geospatial study conducted in partnership with Frontier Economics
• A cost transformation analysis with DBI
• The Ready4H2 transformation survey
• The Ready4H2 project database
The findings demonstrate that investing in hydrogen distribution networks — through both repurposing existing gas grids and building new infrastructure — represents a “no-regret” strategy for Europe’s energy transition and that the energy transition cannot be achieved without the use of gas distribution grids for green gases. Studies show that at least half the hydrogen needed in all sectors needs to be supplied through a distribution pipeline, in particular for consumers in remote areas, where green gases can be distributed without depending on the EHB for supply.

The full article is available online. 

In the coming weeks, Ready4H2 will publish its public report detailing all research results from Phase 3 of the project, completed in 2024.