What must the gas networks of tomorrow look like for 100% hydrogen?
egeplast, as a specialist for innovative plastic pipe systems, is involved in several research projects and is a sought-after partner for creating future-proof solutions.
Emission-free hydrogen plays an essential role in achieving climate targets. It can be produced from renewable energies and utilized in a climate-neutral manner. The topic has strategic importance for the Federal Government. Therefore, technologies related to hydrogen as an energy carrier are being promoted. The focus of funding is on research projects with so-called real-world laboratories, which are intended to clarify all open questions regarding the production, handling, transport, storage, and use of hydrogen in a practical manner. Germany should become number 1 worldwide on the topic of hydrogen, demanded Economics Minister Peter Altmaier. In particular, the distribution of hydrogen is the subject of numerous discussions.
Can the existing gas networks be used for this purpose? The current regulations allow for an admixture of up to 10%; up to this limit, it is ensured that all components function fully and safely. A next step is to be an increase to 20%. However, the gas networks of tomorrow should be suitable for 100% hydrogen. What must such a network look like? Today’s distribution network in Germany measures almost 300,000 km and consists of almost 80% plastic pipes made of PE 80 and PE 100. Therefore, egeplast, as a specialist for plastic pipe systems, is currently a sought-after partner for creating future-proof solutions. While it is proven that polyethylene is resistant to hydrogen, the small hydrogen molecules can emit even more easily than methane through the pipe wall by permeation. Therefore, the focus of research projects in which egeplast is involved is also on determining permeation [Schütz, König, Glandien, Weßing and Gollanek in gwf Gas + Energie 9/2017].
Avacon / DVGW Project
The E.ON subsidiary Avacon is launching a unique project in a gas distribution network in Germany in cooperation with DVGW, in which 20% hydrogen is to be blended with natural gas. In addition to the suitability of the existing facilities in the network, the hydrogen compatibility of customer appliances is of great importance.
HYPOS Project
Another project addresses the question of how a gas network must be designed in the future to safely deliver 100% hydrogen to end users. What system technology must be replaced or adapted for this purpose? The HYPOS project is addressing this question. To clarify these questions, Mitnetz Gas has commissioned an exemplary distribution network at the Bitterfeld-Wolfen chemical park [www.hypos-eastgermany.de].
Westküste 100 Project
In the real-world laboratory project “Westküste 100”, renewable energy generated with the help of wind power is used to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis at the Heide refinery. This is then transported via a branched hydrogen network between the refinery, the municipal utilities, and a cavern system, thus testing storage and industrial use in real operation [www.westkueste100.de].
Innovative Plastic Pipe Solutions
The transition to hydrogen networks is not just a German topic. Many natural gas network operators from the Netherlands
visited egeplast in Greven at the end of 2019 to learn about the possibilities of innovative plastic pipe solutions. In discussions with German and Czech network operators, it became clear that questions about blending limits and 100% island networks are similar, but all see the enormous potential of the natural gas network for renewables.
Source: Sustainability
