Austrian energy provider Energie Steiermark (ES) has started injecting hydrogen into a natural gas pipeline as it plans to build out a 200km network of 100% hydrogen-capable pipes.
The injection began following the conversion of a section of natural gas pipeline to carry hydrogen and blend it into the wider gas network.
According to the company, the 10% hydrogen blend is already being used by an animal processing factory in the region, with “technical preparations” to increase to 20% already underway.
It comes as hydrogen producers and gas transmission system operators (TSO) begin to eye hydrogen blending into gas grids to supply lower-carbon fuel to domestic and commercial gas users.
While a timeline for completing the broader regional network was not disclosed, ES said it would supply hydrogen “intensive” businesses, offering a low-carbon natural gas alternative.
It is currently constructing another section of hydrogen pipeline between Bruck/Mur and St. Michael/Traboch.
In June, ES took final investment decision on its €25m ($5.7m), 5MW green hydrogen plant in Bergla, western Styria. Targeted for completion in 2027, it tabled the facility as part of its strategy to develop Austria’s “hydrogen economy.”
While hydrogen blending in gas grids has gained traction as a potential replacement for pure natural gas, it remains highly divisive, with critics arguing that it undermines the value of hydrogen.
Even 20% blends are only seen to achieve emissions reductions of approximately 7%.
Earlier this year, Italian gas TSO Italgas launched an initiative aimed at supplying a 10% hydrogen-natural gas blend to 220 end-users using 5km of existing natural gas pipelines.
