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.

select country:

Is it a barrier?

Yes

Type of Barrier

Regulatory gap

Assessment Severity

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.

There isn’t any methanation from hydrogen and injection of Methane (SNG) in the grid as any injection of hydrogen, therefore there is not regulation on these matters. The only regulation available is the Gas Network Code of SNAM Rete Gas (the Italian gas Transport System Operator), passed by the Authority for the electricity, gas and water market, on 14 November 2002 and continuously updated ever since, which includes provisions that define the terms of service, and the obligations and responsibilities that the parties must mutually respect. In particular, it defines the chemical–physical characteristics of the natural gas to be carried in the Snam Rete Gas pipeline network. The only allowed presence of hydrogen in the grid is related to bio–methane fed to the grid. In particular, the maximum allowed concentration of hydrogen in bio–methane s 0.5% by volume..

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?

a - n/a

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?

b - n/a

Question 5 Connection to the gas grid of hydrogen producing facility a - What are the requirements for connection of the methanation plants which primarily use renewable energies to the gas supply network: i. Is TSO/DSO obliged to connect the facilities; can TSO/DSO deny the connection and under which conditions? ii. Are there requirements for TSO/DSO to ensure the availability of connection? iii. Which are the requirements for facility operator/ SNG from hydrogen supplier?

a - i. – n/a ii. – n/a iii. – n/a

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

b - i. – n/a ii. – n/a iii. – n/a

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 - n/a

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 - n/a

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 - n/a

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 - n/a

Question 7b - Are there other requirements for the injection of SNG from hydrogen-NG blends compared to SNG from hydrogen ?

b - n/a

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?

a - n/a

Question 9b - Who can do the connection work (professional skills requirement)

b - n/a

Question 9c - Which party is responsible for carrying out the planning and establishment of the grid connection?

c - n/a

Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen

Bio–gas

National legislation:

Gas Network Code of Snam Rete Gas
Gas network regulation defines the role of each party involved in gas transmission and distribution activities.