The European Technology and Innovation Platforms Smart Networks for Energy Transition (ETIP SNET) - supported by the Commission to promote innovation and research in the field of smart grids - published a report on 28 August analysing the impact of hydrogen integration on electricity grids and energy systems in Europe.
And with good reason: as the document states, global demand for hydrogen is around 90 million tonnes a year, mainly used in the oil refining and ammonia production sectors.
However, this demand is set to rise considerably, to around 530 million tonnes by 2050, representing 10% of global final energy demand, in line with the net zero emissions scenario. It is estimated at 60 million tonnes a year in the EU.
To meet this growing demand, which is already having a significant impact on European electricity grids, the ETIP SNET shows that it will be essential to “plan” the integration of hydrogen into the energy system. The report stresses that this planning must focus on “end-user needs” rather than supply, taking into account the volumes required and the associated costs.
In addition, the pace of deployment of electrolysers that produce green hydrogen from renewable energies needs to be aligned with the increase in volumes of additional renewable energy. In fact, it will be vital to “coordinate the development of infrastructures” linked to hydrogen, in particular pipelines, storage and import facilities, with the development of gas and electricity networks.
The report also highlights the idea of “hydrogen valleys”, configurations beneficial for developing complete use cases, characterised by positive business cases.
According to the document, the successful integration of hydrogen into Europe’s electricity grids will depend on a “holistic systems approach”, coordination between the various hydrogen-related projects and developments in the electricity and gas grids.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/8hl (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)