With the rapid development of renewable energy projects in Europe, Lithuanian companies have taken a new initiative of launching production and transportation of green hydrogen for the energy sector.
Lithuanian gas transmission system operator Amber Grid, energy distribution operator ESO and company SG dujos Auto signed a cooperation agreement on the 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.
“Energy transformation by implementing clean energy technologies is the strategic goal of Lithuania fulfilling national and European commitments related to the decarbonisation of various sectors,” said Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys. “We exert efforts to build a base for hydrogen energy development in the nearest future, therefore the hydrogen production project initiated by state companies and business is an important step in pursuit of a breakthrough by creating a suitable economic environment for green Lithuania development.”
In Europe, hydrogen technology is named as one of the most feasible alternatives to fossil fuel to reach the climate change reduction goals. Therefore, the European Commission approved the documents of the Green Deal and Hydrogen Strategy last year.
“As we have received the first application to connect a hydrogen plant to the gas transmission system, we are intended to take a step into a new stage of energy,” added CEO of Amber Grid Nemunas Biknius. “Hydrogen still is a novelty, but we already know that with appropriate preparations made we’ll be able to transport it via the gas network. 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.”
The signed agreement states that SG dujos Auto company will buy and mount a Power-to-gas hydrogen production plant in the south-eastern part of Lithuania. It will consist of an electrolyser, 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 per cent of the gas mixture. Finally, ESO will participate in the assessment of the impact of the above-mentioned gas mixture on the gas distribution system and consumers.
“Green hydrogen will become an inseparable part of energy in the future and preparations for that have to be done today,” affirmed Mindaugas Keizeris ESO Chief Executive Officer. “Once green hydrogen is in the gas network, reliable and safe supply of such gas mixture through transmission and distribution networks to the final consumer must be ensured. Participating in this project, we will gain useful experience of working with new generation gas mixtures and make a direct contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy sector.”
“Hydrogen transportation via natural gas networks is an important and eagerly awaited step that opens new possibilities for the use of the existing gas transmission infrastructure for hydrogen transportation,” said Director of SG dujos Auto Vidas Korsakas.
Transportation of hydrogen via gas network will reduce greenhouse gas emission, prevent methane discharge and reduce CO2 emissions. Green hydrogen mixing with natural gas is cost-effective by decarbonising the gas sector.
