• Nedgia (Naturgy Group), Nortegas, Madrileña Red de gas, Redexis, and Gas Extremadura, along with distributors of 13 European countries, are behind the ‘Ready4H2’ (ready for hydrogen) initiative.
• The aim is to combine experiences from the different markets, thus pooling the role of the gas distribution networks throughout the value chain of hydrogen as a necessary link between produces and consumers.
• Hydrogen is key for the energy transition in Europe and the existing gas infrastructure is a natural partner for expedited and efficient development.

A total of 59 European distributors from 13 countries have launched ‘Ready4H2’ to support the development of a hydrogen market and share expertise and experience. The aim is to contribute to the transformation of the European energy infrastructures and the climate neutrality targets of the European Union.

The five Spanish gas distributors (Nedgia, Nortegas, Madrileña Red de gas, Redexis, and Gas Extremadura) have signed up to the initiative to share their expertise and experience acquired in own projects and working with other local stakeholders of the hydrogen value chain. The initiative seeks to facilitate the implementation of a European and national legislative framework to develop hydrogen. The aim is to harness the potential of the European gas infrastructure and, therefore, benefit the citizens and compliance of the carbon neutral target set by the EU.

‘Ready4H2’ will work on three studies up until February 2022: an initial analysis into the involvement of the different distributors in the development of hydrogen, accumulated experience and the strategy in their countries; a second study into the way that European gas distributors can contribute to the development of hydrogen and to the strategic planning of the territory; and, finally, a roadmap with specific initiatives for distributors to be the link between the hydrogen producers and consumers nationally and in Europe.

Hydrogen is key for the energy transition in Europe and to comply with the climate targets set. The existing gas infrastructure is a natural partner for an expedited and efficient development of this new energy vector.