German Ministry of Education and Research’s hydrogen lead project ‘TransHyDE’ has launched a pilot hydrogen grid at RWE’s company premises in Lingen.
This initiative aims to evaluate the future hydrogen transport grid’s elements for their suitability and reliability.
The project, named ‘Get H2 – Conversion of Natural Gas Pipelines,’ focuses on the entire hydrogen transport chain. This includes everything from the feed-in process, where hydrogen is compressed and introduced into the grid, to the feed-out stage, directing hydrogen to downstream grids, refueling stations, or various industrial consumers.
The project has garnered substantial financial support, receiving almost 12 million euros from the federal government, underscoring the critical role hydrogen is expected to play in the future of energy infrastructure. This aligns with broader climate goals and the transition to sustainable energy sources.
The pilot grid is part of a broader initiative on the site of RWE’s Emsland gas-fired power plant, where an electrolysis demonstrator and a test pipeline are also under construction. Collaborators and stakeholders in this project are poised to provide valuable insights into the integration of hydrogen technologies with existing energy systems.
The success of the ‘Get H2’ project could pave the way for large-scale adoption of hydrogen as a mainstream energy carrier, helping industries transition to climate-neutral operations. This pilot grid serves as a crucial testing ground for future hydrogen networks and provides a blueprint for converting existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen use.
