Working in conjunction with NET4GAS, DNV will evaluate the hydrogen suitability of an existing DN 1400 pressure natural gas transmission pipeline and related stations.

DNV will investigate different scenarios for mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas within a range of percentages starting from 2% up to 100%.

In doing so, and should the evaluation determine, that hydrogen can be utilised in the pipeline, it will help the growing European hydrogen Backbone initiative in creating an EU-wide hydrogen infrastructure.

This would be a crucial development for the European hydrogen ecosystem and help transport vast quantities of hydrogen across the continent.

The initiative is aimed at building a hydrogen infrastructure, primarily based on repurposing existing gas networks, and effectively connecting major (potential) hydrogen production and consumption sites.

With this, NET4GAS will, due to its geographical position play an important role in such connections. In addition, NET4GAS is one of the founders of the initiative ‘Central European Hydrogen Corridor’.

Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice-President for Energy Systems of Northern Europe at DNV, said, “It’s really encouraging to see another major hydrogen project taking place in Europe and with NET4GAS leading the way in Europe with other gas infrastructure companies. At DNV we see developing and repurposing an efficient hydrogen infrastructure as a key area to advance.

“This will ensure that Europe and society globally can gain the full benefits of this low emission energy source in the drive to reduce CO2 emissions and reach the Paris agreement targets of 1.5°C.”

Victoria Monsma, Pipeline Integrity Specialist of Energy Systems at DNV, said, “The assessment for NET4GAS involves a network of DNV industry-recognised experts from The Netherlands, UK, Germany and the US working in different areas including material testing, pipeline integrity, safety and metering and flow acoustics.

“Using our technical knowledge and gas network understanding we can provide NET4GAS with a tailor-made solution and help them to make an informed decision with regards to the conversion of their assets to hydrogen.”