DNV assesses hydrogen readiness of Hungarian gas pipeline

FGSZ, owner and operator of Hungary’s high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline network serving gas distribution companies, power plants and large industrial consumers, commissioned DNV to assess the suitability for partial to full transmission of hydrogen from one of FGSZ’s gas pipelines. The intention of this project is to assess the suitability of FGSZ’s DN600 system, consisting of a DN600 pipeline and a valve station for transporting hydrogen. FGSZ has set up different scenarios to assess the implications of exchanging natural gas with up to 100% hydrogen gas.

As part of the European Green Deal, with the European Climate Law, the EU has set itself a binding target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In this context, the EU Strategy on Hydrogen provides guidelines and actions to revive the hydrogen economy. . The FGSZ contributes to this strategy by examining the transportability of hydrogen and hydrogen mixtures in the Hungarian gas system.

Indeed, some 78% of senior energy professionals say repurposing existing infrastructure, such as the FGSZ system, will be key to developing a large-scale hydrogen economy. This is revealed in DNV’s recent report, Meeting the Challenge of a Hydrogen Economy, which explores the prospects for the emerging hydrogen economy, from production to consumption.

The natural gas transmission network has been well established in Hungary for more than 70 years, and the total length of the long-distance gas pipeline network is 5,874 km. In terms of volume, the pipeline network – when filled to full pressure – can cover Hungary’s gas demand for one day in the coldest winter.

“Hydrogen will play a key role in the deep decarbonisation of the European gas transport industry and contribute to the European Union’s goals of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are delighted to secure this project with FGSZ and to support them in managing the risks and opportunities of the energy transition, ultimately accelerating the supply of carbon-free gas to their customers. This is an important step for FGSZand for Hungary, contributing to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target,” said Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice President for Energy Systems, Northern Europe at DNV.

“The project involves DNV energy experts from the Netherlands and Germany, who are investigating the potential of options for transporting hydrogen via the DN600 pipeline using expertise in materials, safety, integrity and It is nice to see that the experience we bring from previous hydrogen studies in the UK, the Netherlands and Italy is really appreciated by FGSZ”, added Victoria Monsma, specialist of Pipeline Integrity, which is actively involved in this project.

Technical data FGSZ