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

Structural barriers, Operational barriers, Economic barriers, 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.

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?

NR. TRANSGAZ is the TSO (According to the provisions of Law no. 123/2012 on electricity and natural gas, the transport and system operator is organised and operates according to the independent system operator model (ISO). With the entry into force of the Law no. 117/2014 approving Government Emergency Ordinance no. 6/2014, ANRE approved the certification of the National Gas Transport Company "TRANSGAZ"). However, there is no authority/legal basis that would allow the connection/injection of hydrogen / SNG in the gas grid or be accepted as a cross border flow

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 - NA

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 - NA

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. – NA ii. – NA iii. – NA

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. – NA ii. – NA iii. – NA

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 - NA

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 - NA

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 - NA

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 - NA

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

b - NA

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 - NA

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

b - NA

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

c - NA

Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen

The natural gas transmission and distribution technology

National legislation:

The Romanian Energy Regulatory Authority is responsible under Romanian Primary Law for creating a modern energy sector, corresponding to the major principles and objectives of the European Union energy policy of electricity and natural gas market liberalization and capable of meeting consumer demand, ANRE has developed and issued in recent years approx. 986 orders, decisions and opinions in accordance with the obligations deriving from the primary national law and the European legislation