Distribution system operator draws a positive balance at the end of its “Hydrogen Island” network laboratory in Öhringen.
The distribution network for natural gas in Baden-Württemberg is fundamentally capable of transporting climate-friendly hydrogen, the Netze BW reported. It therefore plays a key role in the transformation towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector. Hydrogen can also be part of the solution for a CO2-free energy supply in the heating sector and in municipal heating planning. This is the conclusion reached by the distribution network operator Netze BW after completing the “Hydrogen Island Öhringen” network laboratory. There, Netze BW fed up to 30 per cent hydrogen into the natural gas grid in real grid operation.
For this purpose, a localised supply area was separated from the existing natural gas network and supplied independently – like an island within the network, so to speak. This “island area” included a property used by Netze BW and 26 neighbouring households. As part of the project, hydrogen was added to the connected distribution network, which is around 500 metres long.
This took place both in our own buildings and in the homes of residents (up to 30 per cent in the end). This was done in close cooperation with the municipality, end device manufacturers, chimney sweeps, associations and the scientific community.
In order to make the electricity and gas distribution network fit for the challenges of the future, Netze BW has already developed technical and digital solution concepts in the past together with local authorities and partners from industry, science and start-ups. Netze BW tested these in various pilot regions summarised under the term NETZlabore, such as in Öhringen.
Natural gas network an important component of the energy transition
“With the “Hydrogen Island Öhringen” project, we have shown that the existing natural gas infrastructure can play a key role in the transformation to decarbonise the heating sector. The 30 per cent admixture of hydrogen worked without any problems. No complex adjustments to the existing infrastructure were necessary – neither for Netze BW with regard to the gas network nor for end consumers with regard to their gas boilers and cookers,” emphasises Dr Martin Konermann, Managing Director of Technology at Netze BW GmbH.
The majority of Netze BW’s pipelines are even suitable for 100 per cent hydrogen. However, a prerequisite for the use of hydrogen is the connection of Baden-Württemberg to the national hydrogen core network. Which regions will be supplied with hydrogen from there depends largely on the needs of industrial customers who require hydrogen for their production.
100 per cent hydrogen is also possible “Renewable hydrogen will be part of municipal heating planning,” estimates Konermann. In the view of the Netze BW Managing Director, the future of heat supply has three pillars: “Heat pumps, heating networks and hydrogen as a supplement.” Netze BW currently assumes that the gradual hydrogen transformation will begin in Baden-Württemberg from 2032 and that hydrogen will be transported in the existing gas networks from 2040.
Photo of Netze BW
Press release https://shorturl.at/efovT
