In its latest publication “Hydrogen Infrastructure: The Recipe for a Hydrogen Grid Plan“ Hydrogen Europe provides the reader with the most comprehensive overview of what hydrogen infrastructure means (including dispelling myths about it); outlines the types of infrastructure we will need to roll out the hydrogen economy and why it is important given the role hydrogen infrastructure plays in the decarbonisation of the European energy ecosystem. The document also outlines the challenges that lie ahead for it to materialise and formulates concrete policy recommendations.
What key insights does this publication explore?
1. Hydrogen infrastructure is the best solution to accelerate a cross-sectorial decarbonisation at a lower cost.
2. Hydrogen will provide the flexibility needed to a power system dominated by electrification and variable renewables.
3. Investment in hydrogen infrastructure remain relatively modest compared to power grids.
4. Producing hydrogen near the generation source makes more economic sense than converting electricity to hydrogen at the demand site.
5. An integrated hydrogen backbone is a key enabler for cost optimisation – thus protecting the competitiveness of European energy intensive industries.
6. The hydrogen backbone is expected to grow to over 50,000 km by 2040.
7. Importing hydrogen and its derivatives is a necessity for the near-term competitiveness of the European industry and long-term system decarbonisation.
8. Shipping hydrogen derivates becomes an attractive option for distances above 3,000 km.
9. Underground Hydrogen Storage is critical for energy intensive industry and the best partner for variable renewable energies.
10. Planning and cooperation remain key.
“Building a hydrogen infrastructure is crucial for Europe to meet its 2040 climate goals. Our report sets the guiding criteria to develop a resilient, integrated hydrogen infrastructure, paving the way for a Hydrogen Grid Action Plan. Two systems are cheaper than one: investing in hydrogen infrastructure will not only unlock the EU’s decarbonisation potential, but it will also reduce system costs, facilitate renewable integration, and provide flexibility to the electricity system whose costs are on the rise. Joint planning and cooperation among all energy infrastructure actors remains a key priority for the energy transition.” said about the publication Daniel Fraile, Chief Policy & Market Officer at Hydrogen Europe.
