Hydrogen distribution was discussed at the UNECE Sustainable Energy Week in the UN Geneva offices this week, organised by the UNECE Sustainable Energy Committee, when Ready4H2 Director Barbara Jinks presented the project’s recent research results at a joint session with members of Expert Groups Gas and Resource Management. The large audience included UN nations, academia, NGOs and private industry.
The project was introduced at the event and the role that distribution grids play was reinforced - as partner with transmission and storage and enabler of parallel development of hydrogen and biomethane. In particular it was noted that both distribution and transmission grids need to be ready at the same time to enable hydrogen to flow to consumers, as at least half the hydrogen needs to be transported to the end user through distribution pipelines.
Barbara noted that: “The results were well received and the discussions that followed made it clear that there is a need for more awareness of the role of gas distribution grids in the energy transition. This significant part of the gas chain straddles many areas of UNECE activities including energy security, ramp-up of renewable energy, pathways for regional development and affordability for a Just Transition.”
The project was subsequently invited to become more involved in the Expert Group of Gas and to liaise with other Expert Groups under the Sustainable Energy Committee, and also to share its results at several planned events in Europe and around the world.
