Austria’s electricity and gas network operator is planning to repurpose parts of the nation’s natural gas pipeline for hydrogen integration.
Energie AG is advancing the development and has commissioned Netz Oberösterreich to repurpose the pipeline between Linz and Sattledt. The Energie AG-owned company operates a network spanning 6,000km and expects to submit the first blending section for approval shortly.
Reportedly, they will operate the dual-strand pipeline in Upper Austria as a dual-use pipeline in the future, allowing it to continue transporting natural gas in one pipe and hydrogen in the other.
The hydrogen pipeline, with a diameter of 40cm, could transport up to 50 cubic metres of hydrogen per hour, depending on the pressure. This corresponds to around 170MW – the capacity of Linz’s district heating power plant.
The dual-use system will require an amendment to the operating permit, which will be reviewed and approved by the regional government. Furthermore, the legal framework for the project’s economic feasibility has already been established.
“Green hydrogen is a key component of Energie AG’s vision for a renewable energy future,” explained Alexander Kirchner, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Energie. “Existing natural gas pipelines can be adapted for hydrogen transport.
“By repurposing the pipeline between Linz and Sattledt, we are taking a major first step, enabling Upper Austria to become one of the first regions in Austria to be supplied with hydrogen.”
H2 View understands that the pipeline will use green hydrogen, which could come from domestic producers.
Last February, Austria announced plans to support domestic renewable hydrogen producers with a €400m ($432m) subsidy package backed by the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB).
Read more:Austria allocates €400m to subsidise renewable hydrogen production
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