Enagás, GRTgaz, Teréga and REN Transmission System Operators have signed the initiative Green2TSO, aimed to transform the gas grid into H₂ grid through open innovation. The Green2TSO project is aligned with the European Commission’s initiatives Green Deal, fit for 55 and REPowerEU, underlining the role of European TSOs to become carriers of H₂ as an efficient, safe and clean energy vector, using its large-scale infrastructure.

According to the CEO of Enagás, Arturo Gonzalo, said, “this agreement is a step at a crucial time for the development of renewable gases infrastructure in Europe. It perfectly fits with the European Union common objective of decarbonizing the economy and become energy independent, as stated in the European strategy REPowerEU.”

In words of Thierry Trouve, CEO of GRTgaz, said, “strong collaboration on research and development between gas TSOs is key to accelerate the deployment of a safe, flexible, and cost-efficient H₂ grid. With our R&D Center, Research and Innovation Center for Energy (RICE), GRTgaz will provide high-skilled expertise and dedicated H₂ facilities to drive and support the Green2TSO initiative towards the completion of the future European H₂ Backbone.”

Rodrigo Costa, Chairman and CEO of REN, said, “This agreement is a very important step forward for the European energy transition. This joint effort is fundamental for the widespread use of green H₂, in the fight against climate change and towards the decarbonization of the economy.”

In this regard, Dominique Mockly, President and CEO of Teréga, SAID, “This Green2TSO initiative between four gas TSOs is key to boost research and innovation in the field of H₂. This is an important step towards implementation of the future European H₂ Backbone in a context of decarbonization of the industry and means of transport.

In this context, the European Commission also supports Small and Medium Enterprise and Open Innovation as drivers for technological change, boosting cooperation between member states. Through Green2TSO, this consortium will carry out pilot projects, technology tests and other tasks, to accelerate the transformation of the natural gas grid.

The technology fields to be prioritized will be technologies for H₂ leak detection, compression and above ground storage and alternatives for coating and cleaning of pipelines. One project in the field of H₂ leak detection led by Green2TSO promoters, called Green2TSO OPHTYCS, has already been chosen by the European Commission to be co-funded.