Lithuanian gas transmission system operator Amber Grid, energy distribution operator ESO and company SG dujos Auto signed a cooperation agreement on development of hydrogen production via power-to-gas (P2G) technology. 

 During the project, a green hydrogen producing unit will be connected to the Lithuanian gas system for the first time. The pilot project is planned to be implemented and P2G production of green hydrogen gas is expected to be launched in 2024, in Lithuania.

Implementation of this R&D project is aimed at determining how the existing gas system could be adapted for green hydrogen transportation. During the project implementation, electrolysis equipment of hydrogen production will be connected to the renewable energy production facilities and gas transmission and distribution system. Hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis in the P2G plant will be mixed in various proportions with natural gas and transported to consumers.

The signed agreement states that SG dujos Auto company will buy and mount a Power-to-gas hydrogen production plant in south-eastern part of Lithuania. It will consist of an electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, compression and other elements. Equipment for mixing hydrogen with natural gas, green hydrogen inlet unit and monitoring equipment will be mounted in the gas transmission system of Amber Grid. According to international experts, green hydrogen could account for up to 10% in gas mixture. ESO will participate in the assessment of impact of the above-mentioned gas mixture on gas distribution system and consumers.  

Hydrogen production by electrolysis (power-to-gas) is conversion of electricity into gas. When electric current passes water in a P2G unit, water molecules split into oxygen and hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas fed into the gas pipeline network mixes with natural gas and the produced gas mixture is supplied to consumers.

Gas system is planned to be adapted to transportation of pure hydrogen or methane and hydrogen mixture by 2030. Lithuania intends to focus more attention on research of green hydrogen production, transportation and related activities, implementation of demonstration projects to get prepared for transition to the use of hydrogen technologies.

"As we have received the first application to connect a hydrogen plant to the gas transmission system, we are intended to make a step into a new stage of energy. Hydrogen still is a novelty, but we already know that with appropriate preparations made we’ll be able to transport it via gas network," said CEO of Amber Grid Nemunas Biknius. "We are now carrying out infrastructure examinations, proportions of safe and reliable feed of green hydrogen into the network and its mixture with gas. It is a highly promising project, therefore we promote other market participants to take initiative and active part in hydrogen development projects."