Duration
The Project
Aim
HIGGS Project: Hydrogen in Gas Grids
Duration: 01-2020 until 12-2023, 36 months, closed in December 2023
Project Overview: HIGGS stands for “Hydrogen in Gas Grids” and was a project conducted to systematically validate the admixing of hydrogen into the high pressure gas grid. The project aimed to decarbonise the European gas grid by clearing the pathway for the admixture of hydrogen.
The HIGGS project had the goal to show that the safe injection of hydrogen into the European high pressure, transmission natural gas grid is a sus-tainable and long-term solution to decarbonise the energy system. Safeguarding the hydrogen injection, HIGGS was going to identify remaining weaknesses regarding H2-Readiness and develop a pathway for a stepwise integration of hydrogen in the European gas network.
Thereby, the project investigated the impact that high levels of hydrogen could have on the gas infra-structure, its components and its management. The main tasks within the project were:
- Mapping of technical, legal and regulatory barriers and enablers for admixing up to 100% H2in the high-pressure gas grid
- Setting up and operating a testing platform reproducing all the components of a high-pressure network
- Testing and evaluating different accessories, appliances and innovations for various H2/CH4admixtures
- Techno-economic modelling for H2/CH4 admixtures within the high-pressure gas grid and equipment
Results: The main findings and assessments compiled in the project have been merged in the form of a document that describes a pathway to enable higher concentrations of hydrogen in the natural gas transmission grid. This pathway, among others, includes a list of potential issues, barriers and facilitators for trans-port and interoperability in the gas grids, proposals on regulations codes and standards, a summary of the recommendations for admixture and injection facilities as well as for the gas market and operation considerations.
In order to achieve the envisioned goals, the project team collected information on various key aspects regarding the integration of hydrogen in the high-pressure EU gas grid. Special emphasis was set on legal, regulatory and technical aspects by mapping the present equipment, as well as regulations, standards and certification (RSC) of the natural gas grids. The resolvement of these most critical RSC bottlenecks will not only enable end users and operators to operate the entire gas grid safely but also help to avoid the replacement of fully operable equipment and appliances due to rising hydrogen concentrations in the gas grid.
Project Partners: Project Partners and Funders
The HIGGS Project was supported by a variety of renowned national organizations in the field of gas and material research (see logos on the right). The partners include technical scientific associations, research institutes, and operators of high-pressure gas networks.
The HIGGS Project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Partnership) under the Horizon 2020 program of the European Union. This partnership is supported by the European Union and aims to advance research and development in hydrogen technologies.
Partners
Brochure:
In order to present the results of the project, a brochure was published at the end in which you can read and download everything about the results and the course of the project.
Download here
Highlights (der news and events):
On November 21st 2023, the team of researcher engaged in
the HIGGS project presented their results and conclusions in a public conference.
This conference took place on the Brussels Expo during the EU Hydrogen Week and marks the final phase of the project. It gathered insights and the latest results on hydrogen injection in gas grids with the aim to be presented to experts and stakeholders in the field of the gas sector and particularly the field of hydrogen integration into the EU gas grids. During the closing event, we will share the main findings, recommendations, and a pathway for higher concentrations of hydrogen in the natural gas transmission grid.
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Further Information: You can download all the documents and presentations provided during the project here:
