Serbia Launches Study to Integrate Hydrogen into Natural Gas Pipelines for Decarbonization and Energy Security
Key Insights
Serbia's Transportgas has initiated a study to explore the feasibility of blending hydrogen with natural gas for transport through its national pipeline network.
The comprehensive study will assess optimal hydrogen blending percentages, evaluate impacts on existing infrastructure, and identify suitable sites for hydrogen production and storage.
Key objectives include analyzing the blend's effects on major industrial consumers and recommending necessary infrastructure investments and regulatory changes.
This strategic move aligns Serbia with European decarbonization goals, aiming to enhance energy security and diversify its national energy mix.
Serbia's gas transmission system operator, Transportgas, has launched a comprehensive tender for a study to assess the feasibility and implications of transporting hydrogen blended with natural gas through its existing pipeline network. This strategic initiative, with bids due by July 23 and a 180-day completion timeline, underscores Serbia's commitment to decarbonization and bolstering energy security in line with broader Energy Community objectives for Southeast Europe.
The commissioned study will meticulously determine the maximum permissible percentage of hydrogen that can be blended with natural gas within Serbia's transmission system. Furthermore, it will evaluate the blend's potential impact on existing equipment and transmission losses, crucial for maintaining operational integrity and efficiency. The consultant will also be tasked with defining the optimal chemical composition of the hydrogen-natural gas blend, establishing precise blending procedures, and identifying strategic blending points across the network. A key component of the assessment involves pinpointing suitable locations for hydrogen production and storage facilities within Serbia, laying groundwork for a localized hydrogen supply chain.
Transportgas highlighted that newly constructed or ongoing gas pipeline projects across Europe are designed with the capability to transport 100% pure hydrogen, suggesting a long-term vision for hydrogen infrastructure. The study will also analyze the capacity of Serbia's current pipelines to accommodate hydrogen blends, considering the varying qualities of natural gas from diverse supply routes. The recent commissioning of the Balkan Stream gas pipeline and the interconnector with Bulgaria near Dimitrovgrad has already diversified Serbia's gas supplies, providing a robust foundation for future hydrogen integration.
A critical aspect of the study involves assessing the impact of the hydrogen-natural gas blend on major industrial and commercial consumers throughout Serbia. This includes vital facilities such as Železara Smederevo steelworks, Rafinerija nafte Pančevo oil refinery, HIP-Petrohemija Pančevo petrochemical plant, and key cogeneration and district heating plants in Belgrade and Zrenjanin. Understanding these impacts is paramount to ensuring seamless transition and operational continuity for these energy-intensive sectors.
Beyond technical evaluations, the selected consultant will be responsible for recommending necessary investments, including the installation of advanced gas analyzers, the construction of new hydrogen-ready pipelines, and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Crucially, the study will also propose essential regulatory amendments to facilitate hydrogen's introduction into the national gas grid, encompassing revisions to the Law on Energy and government decrees on natural gas delivery and supply terms. This holistic approach aims to establish a robust framework for Serbia's hydrogen future.