Hydrogen is an energy carrier and a sustainable fuel that can be used in industry, for mobility, and in the built environment. Hydrogen can also serve a function within the energy system itself, for example in the conversion of electricity to gas.
The Transmission and Distribution System Operators (TSOs and DSOs), together with the government and other Dutch Climate Agreement partners, have stated that they want to be able to use hydrogen as a possible additional solution for the sustainable heating of homes and commercial premises from 2030.
Getting to work right away
Much still needs to be done to meet the agreements under the Dutch Climate Agreement and to put the Dutch Cabinet’s hydrogen vision into practice. It is essential that we get started on this right away. The TSOs and DSOs have jointly formulated the most important research questions so as to be able to correctly answer the main question: ‘How can the current natural gas grid be used for the transmission and distribution of hydrogen, green or otherwise?’. The hydrogen roadmap (see below) is continuously updated based on the findings that emerge from the research.
Pilots
Reports
- Future-proof gas distribution networks - full report / summary
- Behavior of hydrogen leaks in the gas distribution network
- Risk analysis for hydrogen distribution systems
- Test set-up hydrogen dispersion in a meter cabinet
- Odor assessment of selected odorants in hydrogen and natural gas-hydrogen mixtures
- Management summary of ‘First inventory of hydrogen leakages at small permissible leaks’
- Management summary of ‘Hydrogen blending with natural gas on Ameland’
- Management summary of 'The influence of hydrogen on the soft materials in DSO gas pressure regulation installations'
- An exploration for hydrogen specifications
- Management Summary 'Purging of hydrogen pipes'
- The impact of the addition of hydrogen on the gas distribution grid and consumer equipment
- Management summary Pressure regulating station hydrogen
- Management Summary Venting and Flaring of hydrogen
Collaboration
The transmission and distribution system operators are not the only parties involved in the gas grid and the use of this grid. Collaboration with other partners is of great importance if we are to effectively answer energy-related questions and address energy issues. It is with this in mind that system operators involved in the issue of hydrogen are actively seeking collaboration opportunities with parties like technical service providers, installation companies, and electronics and technology retailers. Safety authorities, regulatory authorities and municipalities also have an important role to play.
Overview of the steps
The transmission and distribution system operators are not the only parties involved in the gas grid and the use of this grid. Collaboration with other partners is of great importance if we are to effectively answer energy-related questions and address energy issues. It is with this in mind that system operators involved in the issue of hydrogen are actively seeking collaboration opportunities with parties like technical service providers, installation companies, and electronics and technology retailers. Safety authorities, regulatory authorities and municipalities also have an important role to play.