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PRODUCTS & SERVICES Product of the month Will European economies embrace a transition to hydrogen? Repurposing gas networks in Spain, Germany and Italy will pave the way for hydrogen use on the continent A s the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, European economies are taking steps to phase out fossil fuels. In a notable shift, Spain, Germany and Italy are repurposing their domestic gas networks and distribution systems to accommodate alternative fuels, including hydrogen. Rinnai operations director Chris Goggin explores the transformative initiatives undertaken to align with ambitious decarbonisation targets. Natural gas remains a primary source for heating buildings and providing hot water across Europe. The UK, Spain, Germany and Italy are among the largest consumers, all relying heavily on natural gas and oil. Working towards ambitious decarbonisation goals, the question emerges of what happens to existing domestic gas infrastructure after the phasing out of natural gas. In Spain, there are 25 million residential properties, hosting a population of just less than 50 million. The gas transmission network spans 13,361km and is operated by Enags, the countrys largest privatised natural gas distributor. While Spain benefits from diverse energy supply routes, including a key one from Algeria, its substantial natural gas consumption and reliance on imports must be reduced. Italy, with a population of nearly 60 million and 26.2 million residential properties, relies on an independent company, Snam, for approximately 95% of its natural gas supply, through a 32,000km nationwide network of pipelines. Snams recent acquisition of a stake in gas pipeline infrastructure positions the company strategically for future hydrogen dispersal across Europe, northern Africa, and the Mediterranean. Germanys natural gas transmission network, stretching 511,000km, faces uncertainty over its ownership. Discussions are ongoing about potentially nationalising gas supply through state-owned entities such as Uniper. German energy suppliers, while actively reducing their reliance on Russian gas, still grapple with the challenge of transitioning away from imports. The surplus of underground pipelines becomes a crucial consideration for these countries. What will they do with thousands of kilometres of unused infrastructure once Rinnai operations director Chris Goggin natural gas is phased out? Evidence suggests that major businesses and European Union (EU) member states are eyeing these pipelines, anticipating their repurposing for widespread hydrogen use. Snams stake in gas pipeline infrastructure connecting to Algeria and the Tunisian coast positions the company to play a pivotal role in future solar-produced green hydrogen production. Similarly, the German federal government is in discussions with the EU about the viability of purchasing Wiga, a gas network operator, with the aim of repurposing existing pipelines for a national hydrogen network. Wiga is valued at around 3bn to 4bn. It is already 50% owned by state-owned organisation SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe) and operates a pipeline network of more than 4,000km. The updated German National Tel: 020 7880 6245 Email: cibsedirectory@redactive.co.uk CIBSE Jan 24 pp47-48 Products.indd 47 Hydrogen Strategy could be achieved through the repurposing of all of Wigas current pipework to transport hydrogen. This may enable the establishment of a national hydrogen network that is connected for both commercial and domestic use. In Spain, Enags has acquired 130km of gas pipeline from Reganosa, connecting to Portugal. This strategic move enables Enags to fully integrate renewable hydrogen production and distribution within the region by 2030. The UK, however with its extensive 7,630km of gas pipelines has yet to outline a clear policy regarding the repurposing of natural gas infrastructure for future power distribution. While continental economies forge ahead with plans for hydrogen distribution using adapted gas infrastructure, the UKs stance remains uncertain. As European nations chart their individual paths toward decarbonisation, the geographical positioning, production capabilities, and energy requirements of each country will influence the decarbonising solutions they adopt. Rinnai remains committed to keeping customers, installers, specifiers and system designers informed about evolving domestic and international energy policies that may impact current and future purchasing options. Email engineer@rinnaiuk.com or visit www.rinnai-uk.co.uk www.cibsejournal.com January 2024 47 21/12/2023 13:58