Permission to connect/inject

This LAP concerns the permitting framework and processes (or restrictions) for hydrogen based SNG (via methanation) and injection into the gas grid at TSO or DSO level, along with technical requirements for and oversight of local grid connection facilities

Glossary:

Permission and additional restrictions regarding connection points for SNG from hydrogen compared to natural gas connection points.
Connection: “Network connection” refers to the connection of the hydrogen generating plant to the existing gas supply network, the link to the connection point of the existing gas supply network, the gas pressure control measuring system, the means for increasing the pressure and the verifiable measurement of the hydrogen to be fed.
Injection: Gas grid access (injection) is the system under which market players are allowed to use capacity in a pipeline, network, gas store or other gas facility.
The injection installation is related to the connection facility.
Is it a barrier?
Type of Barrier
1
Assessment Severity
NA

Questions:

Question 1 Is the legislation with regard to injection of Methane (SNG) via methanation from hydrogen the same as for hydrogen? If yes, question 2-9 are the same as for category 7, application 1: injection of hydrogen in the gas grid and do not have to be answered.
Hydrogen injection NG has the limit of 0,5%. The Sabatier gas (SNG from hydrogen) is allowed up till the quality level in accordance with the Ministrial decree (MR). This means that blending is needed because the Gas quality in the MR is not 100% CH4. For the Netherlands the CH4 percentage in the NG is ca. 90%). Also e.g. odorization and drying (in compliance with the MR) is additionally needed
Question 2 What is your legal situation (requirement from legislation and administrative procedures) with regard to international interconnection for the injection in the gas grid with neighbouring countries?
This is not applicable for the DSO.
Question 3 Is it possible for a TSO to refuse to feed in hydrogen from neighbouring countries at cross-border interconnection points? a - If yes, under which conditions?
or the DSO.
Question 3 Is it possible for a TSO to refuse to feed in hydrogen from neighbouring countries at cross-border interconnection points? b - Can you have a differentiated treatment (i.e.: applying a more stringent threshold than the one applying under your national law?
a - Click here to enter free text
Question 4 What is your legal situation (requirement form legislation and administrative procedures) with regard to a national connection for the injection in the gas grid? Is there a difference if injection takes place in an isolated (regional) network without international interconnections?
For DSO: no difference.
Question 5 Connection to the gas grid of hydrogen producing facility b - Is required to conclude a connection agreement and if yes, what are the requirements for conclusion of a gas grid connection agreement: i. Connection assessment by the TSO/DSO ii. Assessment of grid compatibility by TSO/DSO iii. How much time does it take to conclude a connection agreement
Yes (for DSO).
Question 6 Grid access (injection into grid) Is it required to conclude a feed-in agreement (grid access contract) between DSO/TSO and SNG from hydrogen supplier? a - Is DSO/TSO obliged to feed-in the H2; can DSO/TSO deny the injection and under which conditions?
a - As long as feed–in requirements at DSO level are met: yes.
Question 6 Grid access (injection into grid) Is it required to conclude a feed-in agreement (grid access contract) between DSO/TSO and SNG from hydrogen supplier? b - Are there requirements for DSO/TSO to ensure a minimum feed- in capacity?
b - Not for DSO.
Question 6 Grid access (injection into grid) Is it required to conclude a feed-in agreement (grid access contract) between DSO/TSO and SNG from hydrogen supplier? c - Are there requirements (technical) for the supplier of H2 (or for the supplied H2)?
c - No, as long as feed–in requirements at DSO level are met.
Question 7a - Will you treat a connection for SNG from hydrogen injection in the same way as a regular connection for natural gas injection? Or are there other legal/administrative responsibilities/requirements for you as TSO/DSO but also for the supplier with regard to the permission to connect/inject Hydrogen? If yes: please name them.
a - Moreover: at DSO level it is
Question 7b - Are there other requirements for the injection of SNG from hydrogen-NG blends compared to SNG from hydrogen ?
No, not different from e.g. biomethane injection.
Question 8 Is there a requirement for other or additional equipment compared to a regular connection for natural gas injection in your grid? Which one?
a - DSO delivers connection points. Behind the transfer point the DSO has non influence whatsoever.
Question 9a - Please describe which party is responsible for delivering which part of the connection? For example is the TSO only responsible for delivering a connection point?
b - Depends on which side of the transfer point, as mentioned before.
Question 9b - Who can do the connection work (professional skills requirement)
c - DSO
Question 9c - Which party is responsible for carrying out the planning and establishment of the grid connection?
DSO: no. How should this be done?
Question 10 In case of network congestion, is the TSO/DSO obliged to prioritise the injection of SNG from hydrogen instead of natural gas?
biomethane
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
It would be beneficial if the possibility of conversion would become possible for a DSO. But it does not prohibit the injection of the Sabatier gas

National legislation: