Enhancing Network Development for Gas and Hydrogen in the EU
Key Ideas
  • The EU aims to achieve decarbonisation goals through the development of natural gas and hydrogen networks, ensuring energy security and boosting the hydrogen market.
  • ACER's evaluation of national gas and hydrogen Network Development Plans reveals alignment with the EU-wide Ten-Year Network Development Plan and a focus on integrating low-carbon and renewable gases.
  • Recommendations from ACER include stakeholder consultation, coordination among operators, regulatory oversight, and emphasis on integrating renewable gases in network development.
  • The EU is urged to provide detailed cost and benefit information, prevent delays in planning processes, and implement provisions of the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Package to enhance consistency in network development.
The European Union is prioritizing the development of natural gas and hydrogen networks to achieve its decarbonisation objectives, enhance energy security, and stimulate the hydrogen market. The European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) recently evaluated the national gas and hydrogen Network Development Plans (NDPs) to assess progress towards these goals. ACER's latest findings highlighted two key trends. Firstly, there is a positive movement towards aligning national gas NDPs with the EU TYNDP, promoting consolidated network operator plans and scenario-planning that considers both gas and electricity sectors. There is also a notable emphasis on integrating low-carbon and renewable gases in network development. Secondly, several countries are actively developing hydrogen strategies and frameworks, with a growing inclusion of hydrogen projects in NDPs. To enhance the consistency of NDPs, ACER recommends stakeholder consultation, cross-border coordination, regulatory oversight, and a focus on integrating renewable gases. Furthermore, ACER suggests providing detailed cost information and improving planning processes to prevent delays in the EU TYNDP. Member States and transmission system operators are urged to implement the recommendations to ensure greater alignment in future network development efforts. The Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Package will play a crucial role in guiding these developments, fostering collaboration and advancing the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
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