Gasgrid Finland has joined the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative in envisioning a European 39,700 km hydrogen network. The European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative publishes today an updated version of its vision for a pan-European hydrogen transmission infrastructure. The vision to be launched today is a follow-up to a report published by EHB in July 2020.
The hydrogen transmission network presented by the EHB group would develop by 2040 and the hydrogen infrastructure maps reflect the vision of 23 European gas transmission network operators on how the infrastructure could be developed to support the achievement of carbon neutrality targets. The network would link the envisioned hydrogen infrastructure of 21 European countries and connect 11 new countries.
The nearly 40,000 km hydrogen network is estimated to require a total investment of EUR 43-81 billion. Two thirds of the European hydrogen network infrastructure would be based on the use of natural gas network repurposed for hydrogen. The remaining third of the network would be new pipelines that would need to be built for offtakers. In addition, the new network would be located in countries where the current gas transmission network is small, yet with high expected future hydrogen demand and supply.
“The hydrogen network envisioned by European Hydrogen Backbone is a significant opportunity for the Nordic and Baltic region. We have large resources for clean electricity production, space, water, and the opportunity to utilize the heat generated in hydrogen production for district heating. We are also reasonably close to Central Europe. Hydrogen and its derivatives have the potential to create sustainable growth and deepen the already successful regional energy cooperation. Gasgrid Finland wants to be actively involved in developing the energy system of the future, and EHB’s vision is a starting point for further development work in cooperation with stakeholders”, says Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland.
More information about EHB and report download: https://gasforclimate2050.eu/ehb/
A webinar about the topic will be held on April 13, 2021 at 1 pm EEST. Registration for the webinar is open at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4033257554164343310
Link to EHB press release: https://gasforclimate2050.eu/news-item/european-hydrogen-backbone-grows-to-40000-km/
More information:
Olli Sipilä, CEO, Gasgrid Finland Oy, p. +358 40 589 4686, olli.sipila@gasgrid.fi
Sara Kärki, Head of Strategic Analysis & RDI, +358 40 158 1722, sara.karki@gasgrid.fi
Gasgrid Finland Oy is a Finnish state-owned company and transmission system operator with system responsibility. We offer our customers safe, reliable and cost-efficient transmission of gases. We actively develop our transmission platform, services and the gas market in a customer-oriented manner to promote the carbon-neutral energy and raw material system of the future. Find out more: www.gasgrid.fi/
The European Hydrogen Backbone initiative consists of a growing group of now 23 European gas infrastructure companies, working together to plan a pan-European dedicated hydrogen transport infrastructure to achieve climate and energy targets. https://gasforclimate2050.eu/ehb/
