European TSOs Enagás, GRTgaz, REN and Teréga have signed an agreement to accelerate the transformation of the gas grid into a hydrogen network.
The transmission system operators Enagás (Spain), GRTgaz and Teréga (France) and REN (Portugal) have signed the "Green2TSO" initiative, aimed at transforming the gas network into a hydrogen network through open innovation.
The project "Green2TSO is aligned with Green Pact initiatives, "Fit for 55 and REPowerEU from the European Commission, which underline the role that European TSOs will play in transporting the clean, safe and efficient energy carrier that hydrogen represents, thanks to their large-scale infrastructure.
According to Enagás CEO Arturo Gonzalo, "The collaboration of TSOs (Transmission System Operators) in the field of innovation is also essential for the development of renewable gas infrastructures in Europe" , adding that "This agreement is perfectly in line with the common objective of decarbonizing industry and ensuring the European Union's energy independence, as set out in the European REPowerEU strategy". He added that "initiatives such as this will build the capacity needed to develop the activities of hydrogen network operators (HNOs)".
According to Thierry Trouvé, Managing Director of GRTgaz, "Close collaboration in research and development between gas TSOs is essential to accelerate the deployment of a safe, flexible and cost-effective hydrogen network. Through our Research and Innovation Center for Energy (RICE), GRTgaz will provide the high-level expertise and dedicated hydrogen facilities needed to guide and support the Green2TSO initiative towards building the future European hydrogen backbone".
Rodrigo Costa, REN CEO, emphasized that "this agreement is a major step towards Europe's energy transition. This joint effort is essential for the widespread use of green hydrogen in the fight against climate change and the decarbonization of the economy".
In this respect, Dominique Mockly, CEO of Teréga, observed that "This Green2TSO initiative between four gas TSOs is undoubtedly essential to stimulate research and innovation in the field of hydrogen. It is an important step towards the establishment of the future European hydrogen backbone in a context of decarbonization of industry and means of transport".
With this in mind, the European Commission also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and open innovation as drivers of technological change, by encouraging cooperation between member states.
As part of "Green2TSO", this consortium will carry out pilot projects, technology trials and other activities, with a view to accelerating the transformation of the natural gas network.
Priority will be given to the development of hydrogen leak detection, measurement and compression systems, above-ground storage infrastructures and pipeline coating and cleaning solutions.
A project in the field of hydrogen detection and measurement led by the Green2TSO promoters, called "Green2TSO OPHTYCS", has already been selected by the European Commission for co-financing.
