The hydrogen ramp-up is more urgent than ever in light of advanced climate targets, the current geopolitical situation and sharply rising energy prices. The hydrogen report submitted by the transmission system operators on September 1, 2022, in accordance with Section 28q of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) shows how the transport infrastructure can be developed efficiently, quickly and in a targeted manner by integrating hydrogen network planning into the proven gas network planning.
The transmission system operators recommend the creation of a regulatory framework that provides for uniform regulation of all operators of a public supply hydrogen network. Among other things, this must enable the refinancing of the investments made by the network operators and lead to network charges that are acceptable to hydrogen customers.
A fast hydrogen ramp-up requires close coordination of measures at the different network levels. The hydrogen report therefore also contains a chapter on the planning of conversion measures in the distribution network and the interfaces to the transmission network level, which was prepared in cooperation with BDEW, DVGW, VKU and the H2vorOrt initiative.
Based on the report, the BNetzA can make recommendations for the legal implementation of a binding network development plan for hydrogen.
The transmission system operators provide the Federal Network Agency and the legislature with twelve recommendations that should be implemented this year. Only then can grid operators start building hydrogen grids and converting lines.
The focus of the recommendations is on:
- the introduction of a mandatory and integrated network planning process gas (hydrogen and methane) according to best practice
- the introduction of a consistent, uniform and mandatory regulatory framework for all operators of a public supply hydrogen network
- the creation of a framework that enables the refinancing of network investments and economically viable network charges, especially in the market ramp-up phase
- the creation of legal requirements for the conversion of network areas of TSOs and DSOs as well as for the consideration of the conversion areas in the network development planning gas
Chapter 1 explains the legal basis and terms of reference. It also contains the recommendations to the BNetzA and the legislature
Chapter 2 presents the current expansion status of the hydrogen network and shows how future network planning for hydrogen should be implemented in terms of a rapid market ramp-up.
Chapter 3 provides an overview of current projects and considerations for hydrogen infrastructure in Germany. The projects within the framework of the European funding program Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), the central results of the hydrogen variant of the NEP Gas 2022-2032 as well as decentralized hydrogen projects on the level of distribution grids are presented.
Chapter 4 describes the goals and assumptions as well as the concrete process for future network development planning hydrogen. The process description also includes the interactions between network development planning for gas and network development planning for electricity.
Chapter 5 considers the options for implementing hydrogen grid planning at the distribution grid level. It was developed jointly by the transmission system operators and various distribution system operators with the participation of BDEW, DVGW, VKU and the “H2vorOrt” initiative.
On October 25, 2022, a joint webinar was held by FNB Gas with DVGW, VKU, and the “H2vorOrt” initiative. The great response of more than 350 participants shows that hydrogen is not only essential for the survival of industry, but that interest and demand also exist on a large scale in many other sectors.
After the welcoming address by the Chairman of the Board of FNB Gas Dr. Thomas Gößmann and DVGW President Michael Riechel, Christoph Diehn, Policy and Hydrogen Officer at terranets bw, and Florian Feller, Chairman of H2vorOrt, explained how a coherent target picture for the climate-neutral gas infrastructure can be developed through close coordination at the different network levels.
The grid operators are in the starting blocks. The task of policymakers is now to break down blockades and transform the proposals into a consistent regulatory framework. The webinar ends with a joint appeal to politicians: “The industry is ready. Now we need political action”.
You can watch the recorded webinar here:
