Germany – Associations appeal against separation of hydrogen and gas grid.
An alliance of associations has criticised the EU Commission’s plans to separate the ownership of hydrogen and gas grids at distribution network level. Such a plan would hinder the rapid development of the hydrogen economy, they write.It would be “a disservice to the success of the energy transition in the region and in the municipalities on the way to climate neutrality”.
The Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) are among the organisations that have signed the appeal to the German government.
The associations called on the German government to continue to make a clear case in the EU Council of Energy Ministers for the Council to follow the European Parliament’s position. Contrary to the EU Commission, MEPs of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) have spoken out against so-called ownership unbundling (energate reported).
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Three recommendations of the Parliament
Instead, they recommended that a distinction be made between transmission and distribution system operators for hydrogen, as has already proved successful for electricity and gas grids. ITRE also argued for the possibility of joint operation of hydrogen and gas grids. According to the appeal, the unbundling rules for transmission system operators should also be possible after 2030, while maintaining the possibility of the so-called ITO model (Independent Transmission System Operator). This system has proved its worth in gas grids.
A lack of differentiation between distribution and transmission grids would lead to unnecessary and excessive requirements, the association added. It says that for many regional and local players, such as municipal utilities, it would be practically impossible to organise the distribution of hydrogen efficiently. The hydrogen would have to be transported and distributed via the upgraded gas grid. /ck
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Associations appeal against separation of hydrogen and gas grid, February 27, 2023
