Designing a future-proof gas and hydrogen infrastructure for Europe – A modelling-based approach

This paper was heavily based on the research performed under the grant ENER/C1/2019-481 “Potentials and levels for the electrification of space heating in buildings” by the European Commission , DG Energy.

Abstract

Hydrogen has been at the centre of attention since the EU kicked-off its decarbonization agenda at full speed. Many consider it a silver bullet for the deep decarbonization of technically challenging sectors and industries, but it is also an attractive option for the gas industry to retain and future-proof its well-developed infrastructure networks. The modelling methodology presented in this report systematically tests the feasibility and cost of different pipeline transportation methods – blending, repurposing, and dedicated hydrogen pipelines - under different decarbonization pathways and concludes that blending is not a viable solution and pipeline repurposing can lead to excessive investment outlays in the range of EUR 19–25 bn over the modelled period (2020–2050) for the EU-27.