German transmission system operator Gascade has begun adding hydrogen to the first of pipelines in its Flow project. The project aims to repurpose approximately 400km of infrastructure by 2025 to 100% hydrogen. The Flow project, a 1,630km pipeline with a capacity of up to 20GW when fully operational, will become part of Germany’s Hydrogen Core Network (Wasserstoff- Kernnetz) and will transport energy produced offshore and onshore in Northern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to Southern Germany.
This commissioning of the first hydrogen transmission pipeline in Germany sends a strong signal regarding planning certainty for market ramp-up of the hydrogen value chain, and to hydrogen economy. Chrisoph Van dem Bussche, Gascade Managing Director, is aware of the interplay between transmission and distribution grids, stating: “The conversion of existing gas transmission pipelines is a cost-efficient way to develop a European-wide hydrogen grid. In addition, distribution networks will play an essential role to the success of the hydrogen economy as today, they supply large parts of industry and other sectors throughout Europe. When developing hydrogen infrastructure, we should not only consider the major hydrogen highways, but also take into account the exits and country roads."
Ready4H2 members know that it is crucial that the distribution grids get ready to transport hydrogen at the same time or before transmission pipelines to ensure a seamless flow of hydrogen from the supplier to the consumer. More than 40 projects involving the conversion of natural gas pipelines to hydrogen are currently being carried out by Ready4H2 members. In addition, more than 1.15 million km of their distribution networks are material-ready for hydrogen, representing 96% of the combined Ready4H2 network.
