DNV to assess Hungarian gas pipe for hydrogen readiness

Norwegian classification society DNV said on January 18 it had been hired by Hungarian transmission system operator FGSZ to assess if one of its gas pipelines is suitable to transport hydrogen.

The 72-km high-pressure pipeline will be tested for pumping hydrogen only and a blend of hydrogen and natural gas. The work will involve DNV energy experts from the Netherlands and Germany investigating the pipeline's readiness for hydrogen in terms of material, safety and integrity.

DNV said repurposing existing gas infrastructure would be key for establishing a large-scale hydrogen economy. This will help decarbonise the EU's gas system and help the block deliver on its net zero by 2050 goal.

"We are delighted to secure this project with FGSZ and support them in navigating the risks and opportunities of the energy transition, ultimately accelerating the supply of decarbonized gas to their customers," DNV said.

Hungary's gas network spans a total of 5,874 km. FGSZ is a member of the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative, aimed at establishing a 40,000-km hydrogen in Europe by 2040 consisting of repurposed gas pipelines and dedicated new ones.