European TSOs partner on conversion of natural gas grid to hydrogen

Spain’s Enagás, France’s GRTgaz and Teréga and Portugal’s REN are leading the initiative to develop Europe's hydrogen infrastructure. (Photo: Enegas.)

Several European transmission system operators (TSOs) have partnered to convert the continent’s natural gas grid to hydrogen.

The initiative, known as Green2TSO, is being led by Spain’s Enagás, France’s GRTgaz and Teréga and Portugal’s REN. It aligns with European Commission decarbonization objectives under initiatives including the Green Deal, Fit for 55 and REPowerEU, which would see TSOs across the bloc become carriers of hydrogen. It also fits with the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative, which involves 32 energy infrastructure operators across the continent.

Through Green2TSO, the partners intend to carry out pilot projects, technology tests and other work aimed at accelerating the transformation of the gas grid.

In terms of technology, the group’s priorities will include technologies for hydrogen leak detection, compression and above-ground storage, as well as alternatives for coating and cleaning of pipelines. One leak detection project – Green2TSO OPHTYCS – has already been selected by the European Commission to be co-funded.

In a March 6 joint statement from the Green2TSO partners, REN’s chairman and CEO, Rodrigo Costa, described the companies’ joint effort as “fundamental” for the widespread use of green hydrogen. And Teréga’s president and CEO, Dominique Mockly, said the initiative was “definitely key” to boosting research and innovation in the field of hydrogen.