New H2 Infrastructure Map shows how infrastructure can enable the upscaling of hydrogen economy

December 13, 2022

 Six industry associations spanning gas distribution, transmission, import and storage, in cooperation with European Hydrogen Backbone, have launched a website visualising the hydrogen project in an interactive map.

This joint initiative provides a picture of the state of play
of hydrogen infrastructure as key enabler in reaching the REPowerEU hydrogen targets

Discover the Hydrogen Infrastructure map

This map was developed using bottom-up collection of data for relevant infrastructure projects, including those for demand and production, and presents the projects in 2030, 2040 and 2050. The map also satisfies the European Commission’s request to visualise “all hydrogen infrastructure projects collected under different existing processes in a form of a map” in their conclusions at the 36th European Gas Regulatory Forum in May 2022.

The map includes more than:

• 220 Hydrogen projects
• 120 Hydrogen transmission and distribution projects
• 40 Hydrogen storage projects
• 10 Hydrogen terminals & ports projects
• 40 Hydrogen demand and production projects

This shows that infrastructure is not a bottleneck, rather an enabler, in developing the hydrogen economy. Repurposing existing infrastructure is key to connecting hydrogen supply and demand clusters to create a pan-EU Hydrogen Backbone and will provide for decarbonisation in the long-term perspective. Hydrogen storage is an essential technology required for the emergence of a hydrogen ecosystem and the terminals and ports are key to facilitate imports of hydrogen and its derivatives. Connections of hydrogen to the distribution system is an immediate opportunity to create synergies among sectors at a local level.

A dedicated webinar will be organised in January 2023.

Editorial notes

• About CEDEC: CEDEC is the European Federation of local energy companies, representing the interests of 2000 local and regional energy and broadband companies across Europe, serving 100 million electricity, gas and district heating customers and broadband connections. Active in every part of the value chain – generation, distribution grids and supply – these companies provide services which are reliable, sustainable and close to the consumer, making a significant contribution to local and regional economic development.

• About ENTSOG: The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas was founded in line with Regulation (EC) 715/2009 and has played a key role in facilitating integration of the European gas markets, ensuring technical interoperability and providing security of supply by gas infrastructure planning. Looking forward, ENTSOG is contributing to the net-zero decarbonisation by 2050, in particular, by the integration of renewable and low carbon gases via future-proof gas transmission pipelines, in line with the EU energy and climate goals. More information on ENTSOG can be found on our website – www.entsog.eu or contact info@entsog.eu.

• About Eurogas: Eurogas is an association of 68 companies spanning the length of the gas value chain. Our members cover gas wholesale, retail and distribution, along with companies manufacturing equipment and providing innovative solutions for services, like blending and methane emissions management. The purpose of Eurogas is to accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality through dialogue and advocacy about optimising the use of gas and gaseous fuels.

• About GD4S: Gas Distributors for Sustainability represents the leading natural gas distributors in France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Romania. Together, we represent almost 35 million customers in Europe (more than 30% of the European market). Gas distributors are responsible for operating the gas distribution network, ensuring its maintenance, and its development. We are responsible for safely distributing natural and renewable gas to consumers.

• About GEODE: GEODE is a European association representing local energy companies operating electricity and gas distribution networks committed to a sustainable, efficient and reliable management of the grids as the backbone of the energy system. Thanks to the technical expertise of its members, GEODE’s mission is to accomplish the energy transition towards decentralised, decarbonised and digitalised energy systems.

• About GIE: Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators. GIE members are active in transmission, storage and regasification via LNG terminals of renewable and low-carbon gases, including natural gas and hydrogen. Gathering around 70 industry entities from 27 European countries, GIE perfectly embodies the multiple transitional decarbonisation pathways of the EU regions. The association’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens and industries to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.

Note to editors

Who is GIE?

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.