Measuring the retrofitting potential of the German gas grid for the development of hydrogen infrastructure

This study presents an analysis on the future of the German natural gas grid and its potential for the transport of hydrogen. The focus is three-fold: the security of supply, the transmission grid’s retrofit potential, and the evaluation of the hydrogen start-grid. Here we conduct an analysis using the Gas Market Model (GAMAMOD) to simulate optimal flows until 2045 and evaluate them using two novel metrics for retrofitting potential. We conclude the analysis by comparing our simulations to the Network Development Plan. Overall, the findings presented indicate that first, energy security is will not be limited by transport even when taking into account the effects of the gas crisis and the retrofitting of storage facilities. Second, that the retrofitting potential of the German grid is high albeit regionally dependant. And lastly, that new pipelines need to be constructed in order to develop a cohesive hydrogen grid before 2035.