Review on the HIGGS Closing Conference in Brussels from 20th November to 21st November 2023
The HIGGS – Hydrogen in Gas Grids – Closing-Conference took place as part of the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels at the Brussels Expo. For ERIG those have been very eventful days.
On Monday, 20th November, we discussed our project results on the integration of hydrogen into the transport network alongside the HIGGS consortium and the Advisory Board.
On Tuesday, 21st November, the entire project was publicly presented to more than 50 participants as a side event of the EU Hydrogen Week.
It was a great project conclusion, and we would like to thank everyone who took part. The most important results and experiences made during the HIGGS project were summarized in a brochure that can be accessed through the following link: https://higgsproject.eu/higgs-project-brochure/
The key take aways were:
- Material and component testing under Hydrogen atmosphere:
The European transport network is suitable for transporting hydrogen. Currently, the EU Gas Package is aiming for allowing a maximum of 5% hydrogen blending in cross-border transport. However, the technical conditions for higher concentrations are clearly established and noteworthy. - Techno-economic modelling of repurposing of European gas grid:
Repurposing the gas grid is more cost-effective than constructing new infrastructure. This presents clear financial incentives. - Potentials, barriers and enablers of Hydrogen injection in Europe:
There is still much to be done at the regulatory level. Simplification and standardization of regulatory requirements for operating dedicated hydrogen pipelines are necessary.
The slides of the conference can be accessed under: https://higgsproject.eu/higgs-closing-conference-during-eu-hydrogen-week-on-november-21st-2023-in-brussels/
On Monday the 20th of November and during the forum on “Regulation, code & standards: A guidebook into hydrogen trade” our ERIG President Prof. Dr. Gerald Linke emphasized: “The HIGGS project illustrates the pathway toward higher hydrogen concentrations in the European gas network. Its experimental results and theoretical analyses demonstrate that blending hydrogen into the natural gas high-pressure network of up to 100% is possible. Thus, the existing and widespread energy transport infrastructure can contribute to providing climate-neutral energy across Europe.”
We would like to thank Fundación Hidrógeno Aragón, OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, DVGW Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches, Redexis, TECNALIA Research & Innovation for the great cooperation in this project.
ERIG was also represented with an exhibition stand at the Hydrogen Europe Research pavilion. We really enjoyed engaging with the hydrogen and European gas grid community. With over 3 000 participants at the hydrogen week every day, there was plenty of dialogue and we were able to and provide information about our EU projects with ERIG participation (Hy2Market, MefHySto, HEAVENN, and LivingH2) and to establish new contacts and partnerships.
We are definitely coming back next year!
