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Methanation and injection of Methane (SNG) via methanation from hydrogen at transmission / distribution level

The HyLaw database is structured along the nine categories which can be seen below. Within each category, a number of relevant hydrogen applications and different legal and administrative processes (LAP’s) are covered. These can be selected from the drop-down menu found below. Once selecting the category, application, legal and administrative process (LAP) and the country you are interested in, you will be directed to a page displaying the data collected in the course of the project.

Production of hydrogen

Centralised (Electrolysis, Steam-Methane reforming, and H2 liquification)

This application concerns the production of hydrogen at one location, in quantities to cover the needs of hydrogen over a relatively large geographic area for a relatively large number of points of use, implying hydrogen transportation

Land use plan (zone prohibition)

This LAP refers to the land use plan and analyses the legal requirements for building a centralised hydrogen production facility (including potential zone prohibition), identifies the authority responsible for delivering the land use permit, gives an estimate of the time needed to change the land use plan, and finally highlights if the permit process is uniform throughout the country.

Permitting process (include former LAP: emission regulation)

This LAP refers to the permitting process. It identifies what is the competent authority responsible for the permitting requirements, highlights the different steps of the process, and what are the different kinds of permits needed by the approval authority. Finally, it shows if the process is uniform throughout the country, how much time is needed to obtain the permit, and if there are some exemptions/simplified processes.

Permitting requirements (include LAP: safety-distances)

This LAP refers to the permitting requirements. In particular it underlines if there are some requirements in terms of environmental assessment, risk assessment, safety requirements.

Localised (Electrolysis, Steam-Methane reforming, and H2 liquification)

This application concerns the production of hydrogen for a given application on the same location, eliminating the need to transport the hydrogen outside a facility.

Simplified process

The purpose of this LAP is to highlight if a simplified process exists for localised production units as compared to centralised ones taking advantage of the smaller amount of hydrogen considered, and if yes, what is the threshold and what are the permitting requirements and process.

Land use plan (zone prohibition)

This LAP refers to the land use plan and analyses the legal requirements for building a localised hydrogen production facility (including potential zone prohibition), identifies the authority responsible for delivering the land use permit, gives an estimate of the time needed to change the land use plan, and finally highlights if the permit process is uniform throughout the country.

Permitting process (include LAP: emission regulation)

Permitting requirements (include former LAP: safety-distances)

This LAP refers to the permitting requirements. In particular it underlines if there are some requirements in terms of environmental assessment, risk assessment, safety requirements.

Stationary Storage

Gas / Liquid / Metal Hydride

This application concerns the storage of hydrogen in conventional gas tank, metallic cylinders and composite vessels. The hydrogen considered can be in gas, liquid, or solid phase.

Land use plan (zone prohibition)

This LAP refers to the land use plan and analyses the legal requirements for storing hydrogen (including potential zone prohibition), identifies the authority responsible for delivering the land use permit, gives an estimate of the time needed to change the land use plan, and finally highlights if the permit process is uniform throughout the country.

Permitting requirements / process, including safety distances (external/internal)

This LAP refers to the permitting requirements. In particular it underlines if there are some requirements in terms of environmental assessment, risk assessment, safety requirements. It identifies what is the competent authority responsible for the permitting requirements, what are the different steps of the process, and what are the different kinds of permits needed by the approval authority. Finally, it shows if the process is uniform throughout the country, how much time is needed to obtain the permit, and if there are some exemptions/simplified processes.

Transport and distribution of hydrogen

Road transport in Cylinders and tube trailers (Bulk Gas / Metal Hydride / Bulk Liquid)

This application concerns the transport of hydrogen in conventional gas tank, metallic cylinders and composite vessels on the road. The hydrogen considered can be in gas, liquid, or solid phase.

Road planning

This LAP indicates if hydrogen has to follow specific requirements when transported, and if the regulations are different from the transport of other types of gas. It identifes the competent authorities to allocate the routes.

Permitting process / requirements

This LAP refers to the permitting process and requirements for on one hand the drivers/transporting company and on the other hand the equipment (trailer). It defines what certification is needed for a driver/transporting company to transport hydrogen on public roads and which authority is competent to deliver the certification. It also gives information about the requirements needed for an equipment to be allowed to transport hydrogen on public roads, and if there is any specific approval required for the equipment.

Quantity and Pressure limitation

This LAP¨refers to the quantity and pressure limitations. It underlines what are the requirements and limitations in terms of pressure and quantity of hydrogen for hydrogen transport. Finally, it shows if it is possible to increase the pressure/quantity, and if yes which authority is competent, what is the process to follow, how long does it takes and what are the costs associated if known.

Hydrogen as a fuel and refueling infrastructure for mobility purposes

Fuel Origin

This application is concerned with the legal status of hydrogen as a fuel and the procedures for certification of hydrogen fuel. Among other aspects, it investigates whether Hydrogen is recognized as an alternative fuel and under what conditions. The existence of common definitions of what constitutes “green” hydrogen is also researched.

Legal status & Certification of origin

This LAP is concerned with the legal status of hydrogen as a fuel and the procedures for certification of hydrogen fuel. Among other aspects, it investigates whether Hydrogen is recognized as an alternative fuel and under what conditions. The existence of common definitions of what constitutes “green” hydrogen is also researched.

Fuel Quality

This application is concerned with the applicable Requirements for acceptable concentration of impurities in Hydrogen used for fuel across the partner countries

Quality requirements

This LAP is concerned with the applicable Requirements for acceptable concentration of impurities in Hydrogen used for fuel across the partner countries

Fuel Measurement

This application is concerned with the methods, analyses and devices used for the assessment and assurance that the hydrogen, delivered at the distribution centers and at refueling stations, meets the requirements for hydrogen purity.

Quality measurement requirements

This LAP is concerned with the methods, analyses and devices used for the assessment and assurance that the hydrogen, delivered at the distribution centers and at refueling stations, meets the requirements for hydrogen purity.

HRS and Hydrogen delivered to stations

This application examines legal and administrative processes associated with the setting up and operating Hydrogen Refueling Station including the delivery of Hydrogen to the station. Four LAPs are examined: • Lap 1: Land Plan use (zone prohibition) • Lap 2: Permitting Requirements and process • Lap 3: Safety requirements and process (incl safety distances) • Lap 4: Special Restrictions for placing HRS in particular locations (e.g. indoors for forklifts)

Land use plan (zone prohibition)

Land-use planning is the general term used for a branch of urban planning encompassing various disciplines which seek to order and regulate land use in an efficient and ethical way, thus preventing land-use conflicts. This lap examines: • The main regulations/requirements regarding land use plans for building an HRS (e.g. permitting regime, agreement)? • The authority responsible for delivering the land use permit? • Whether there is a uniform permit process at local level throughout a country? (uniform interpretation?) • The requirements in terms of documentation and time to change the land use plan?

Permitting requirements / process

This Lap analyses the legal (regulations and standards) requirements for HRS and the permitting process, including the administrative process involved in obtaining the required approvals to build and operate a HRS. Where applicable, it looks at whether the permitting process consists of several processes involving multiple permits and authorities and the nature of each of these processes and steps

Safety requirements and process (safety distances internal / external)

This LAP analyses, in general, the safety requirements (regulations and standards) associated with the approval of HRS. In particular, this LAP looks at the general rules applicable to an HRS (e.g. permitting regime, agreement) apart from the land use planning, including but not limited to: a) environmental assessment (e.g.: emissions (IED), noise, etc.) b) risk assessment c) technical, including internal/external safety distances safety requirements d) Personnel safety requirements The LAP also explores whether it is allowed to install an HRS indoors (for example for forklifts) as well as the additional requirements applicable when an HRS is installed indoors.

Vehicles

Cars, buses, trucks

This application deals with the administrative-legal provisions and procedures for type approval and registration of hydrogen cars, buses and trucks, the requirements for their maintenance and service, as well as the existing restrictions and support schemes for their market deployment. This LAP examines • The differences in the type approval and registration processes between hydrogen and conventional vehicles, • The maintenance and service procedures for hydrogen vehicles, requirements for repair shops and staff qualifications , • The restrictions imposed on hydrogen vehicles using the road infrastructure elements and existing financial and non- financial incentives for their market entry,

Type approval & Individual vehicle registration - Process

This LAP analyses: • The classification of hydrogen vehicles for type approval purposes, • The applicable types of type approvals, • The responsible approval authorities, and • The differences in type approval process of hydrogen vehicles compared to conventional vehicles.

Restrictions & Incentives

This LAP investigates: • The restrictions imposed on hydrogen vehicles using public and private parking places, tunnels and other facilities of the transport network, • The existing financial and non-financial incentives for hydrogen vehicles

Service and maintenance

This LAP deals with: • The differences in the roadworthiness inspection, service and maintenance (process and requirements) for hydrogen vehicles compared to conventional vehicles, • The responsible authorities/independent bodies to carry out technical inspections, • The requirements to operate a testing centre/service and maintenance company for hydrogen vehicles.

Bikes, Motorcycles, Quadracycles

This application analyses the administrative-legal provisions and procedures for type approval and registration of hydrogen motorcycles and quadricycles, the requirements for their maintenance and service, as well as the existing restrictions and support schemes for their market deployment, identifies the potential legal hurdles to their deployment and makes proposal for their removal. It examines: • The differences in the type approval and registration processes between hydrogen and conventional L category vehicles, • The maintenance and service procedures for hydrogen L category vehicles, requirements for repair shops and staff qualifications, • The restrictions imposed on hydrogen L category vehicles using the road infrastructure elements and explore existing financial and non-financial incentives for their market entry.

Type approval & Individual vehicle registration - Process

This LAP analyses: • The classification of hydrogen L category vehicles for type approval purposes, • The applicable types of type approvals, • The responsible approval authorities, and • The differences in type approval process of hydrogen L category vehicles compared to conventional vehicles

Restrictions & Incentives

This LAP investigates: • The restrictions established for hydrogen L category vehicles using public and private parking places, tunnels and other facilities of the transport network, • The financial and non-financial incentives provided for hydrogen L category vehicles

Service and maintenance

This LAP examines: • The differences in the roadworthiness inspection, service and maintenance (process and requirements) for hydrogen L category vehicles compared to conventional vehicles, • The responsible authorities/independent bodies to carry out technical inspections • The requirements to operate a testing centre/service and maintenance company for hydrogen vehicles;

Boats, Ships

This application examines the regulatory and administrative issues surrounding the use of Hydrogen and Hydrogen fuell cells for maritime applcations. The application covers: • The Design, Type approval of Hydrogen fuel cells vessels • The procedures surrounding individual vehicle registration • The requirements for landing and bunkering installation • The requirements for operation and maintenance • The rules surrounding on-board transport of hydrogen

Design/Type approval

This LAP analyses the rules surrounding the Design/Type approval of Hydrogen Fuell Cell Powered vessels. It looks, specifically into: • the responsible authority delivering the permit/approval • the procedures to be followed • the requirements for the use of fuel cells (incl. additional requirements in case of liquid or compressed hydrogen • the specific type approval process for a hydrogen boat/ship

Individual vehicle registration

This LAP analyses the procedure to be followed for individual vehicle registration. It contains information on the relevant authority, the documentary requirements for registration, as well as the time and costs associated with the procedure.

Approval for landing/bunkering installations

This LAP contains information about the procedures for landing and bunkering installations associated with hydrogen transport on vessels. It provides information on the responsible approving authority and the particularities of the procedure when considering hydrogen in it’s liquid or compressed form.

Operation and maintenance

This LAP looks at the difference in the service and maintenance inspection (process and requirement) for a hydrogen vessel compared to vessels using other low flash-point fuels. It also lists the responsible authorities or independent bodies assigned to carry out technical inspections

On-board hydrogen transport

This LAP analyses the specific requirements for hydrogen when transported on-board vessels, together with the authorities competent to apply the rules and standards.

Electricity grid issues for electrolysers

Connection of the E-grid to the electrolyser

This application is concerned with utilising the stored energy of Power to Gas systems for generating electricity as a grid balancing, ancillary service, in the electricity market

Connecting electrolyser to the electricity grid (as a consumer)

This LAP is concerned with formal procedures and arrangements via a responsible/legal authority for access to the e-grid (at a local or other level) for electrolyser connection and whether an electrolyser connection is treated differently to connection of a conventional electricity consuming load. If an electrolyser load is treated differently then the variance in procedures are sought to be identified

Legal status of power-to-gas plants and energy storage facilities (energy consumer or energy producer)

This LAP is concerned with implementation of Power to Gas facilities, covering energy consumption (electrolyser operation), energy storage (hydrogen or otherwise), and energy generation (from hydrogen or other storage means) and the extent to which the plant has legal recognition or constrained within the current legal context

Power-to-gas plants and their role in the electricity balancing market

This LAP is concerned with the status of, and legal coverage for, Power to Gas systems operating to provide ancillary services and specifically for demand side load balancing services

Gas grid issues

Injection of Hydrogen at transmission level (for energy storage and enhancing sustainabily)

This application is concerned with commercial and domestic end-user gas appliances that would utilise hydrogen gas blends resulting from hydrogen injection and transmission at a TSO gas network level

Legal framework: permissions and restrictions (and Ownership constraints (unbundling))

This LAP concerns the legal framework status covering authorised bodies overseeing and involved with the injection of hydrogen and varying hydrogen concentration levels in the TSO high pressure gas transmission system, along with potential changes to the regulatory framework to support enhanced hydrogen injection and utilisation

Permission to connect/inject

This LAP concerns the permitting framework and processes required to be followed for hydrogen injection into the high pressure transmission gas grid at the TSO level, along with technical requirements for and oversight of local grid connections

Payment issues

This LAP concerns the injection of hydrogen into the high pressure transmission gas grid at the TSO level and the cost allocation, payment and incentives framework covering injection installations and hydrogen gas conveyance via the TSO network

H2 quality requirements

This LAP is concerned with the gas quality issues for hydrogen injection and transport in the high pressure TSO transmission gas grid, including gas quality monitoring and metering in relation to payment terms and responsibilities for monitoring and metering

Safety requirements (compliance with safety regulation / risk control expectations)

This LAP is concerned with risk management and safety requirements for hydrogen injection and transport in the high pressure TSO transmission gas grid and the regulatory oversight to ensure safe operations

Safety requirements related to the end-user equipment

This LAP is concerned with the safety requirements (and design and operational aspects) for commercial and domestic end-user equipment operating with hydrogen gas blends resulting from hydrogen injected and transmitted in the gas grid at the TSO level

Injection of Hydrogen at distribution level (for energy storage and enhancing sustainability)

This application is concerned with commercial and domestic end-user gas appliances that would utilise hydrogen gas blends resulting from hydrogen injected into the grid, at a local DSO gas network level

Legal framework: permissions and restrictions (and Ownership constraints (unbundling))

This LAP concerns the injection of hydrogen into the gas grid at the TSO level and the legal framework status covering authorised bodies and varying hydrogen concentration levels in the TSO transmission system along with potential changes to the regulatory framework to support enhanced hydrogen injection and utilisation

Permission to connect/inject

This LAP concerns the injection of hydrogen into the low pressure transmission gas grid at the DSO level and the permitting framework and procedures required to be followed for DSO connection, along with technical requirements for and oversight of local grid connections

Payment issues

This LAP concerns the injection of hydrogen into the low pressure transmission gas grid at the local DSO level and the cost allocation, payment and incentives framework covering injection installations and hydrogen gas conveyance via the DSO network

H2 quality requirements

This LAP is concerned with the gas quality issues for hydrogen injection and transport in the low pressure DSO local gas grid, including gas quality monitoring and metering in relation to payment terms and responsibilities for monitoring and metering

Safety requirements (compliance with safety regulation / risk control expectations)

This LAP is concerned with risk management and safety requirements for hydrogen injection and transport in the low pressure local DSO gas grid and the regulatory oversight to ensure safe operations

Safety requirements related to the end-user equipment

This LAP is concerned with the safety requirements (and design and operation aspects) for commercial and domestic end user equipment operating with hydrogen gas blends resulting from hydrogen injected and distributed in the local gas grid at the DSO level

Methanation and injection of Methane (SNG) via methanation from hydrogen at transmission / distribution level

This application is concerned with commercial and domestic end-user gas appliances that would utilise hydrogen based SNG blends injected into the gas grid

Guarantee of Origin

This LAP is concerned with identifying whether a Guarantee of Origin scheme is in place and would provide recognition of the renewable content of hydrogen within (methanated) SNG for injection into the gas grid at TSO or DSO level

Legal framework: permissions and restrictions (and Ownership constraints (unbundling))

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

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

Payment issues

This LAP concerns the injection of hydrogen based SNG (via methanation) into the gas grid at TSO or DSO level and the cost allocation, payment and incentives framework covering injection installations and hydrogen gas conveyance via the gas grid

H2/SNG quality requirements

This LAP is concerned with the measurement, monitoring, metering and billing basis for hydrogen based SNG (via methanation) injected and transported within the gas grid at DSO or TSO level

Safety requirements (compliance with safety regulation / risk control expectations)

This LAP is concerned with risk management and safety requirements for hydrogen based SNG (via methanation) injected into the gas grid and the regulatory oversight to ensure safe operations

Safety requirements related to the end-user equipment

This LAP is concerned with the safety requirements (and design and operational aspects) for commercial and domestic end-user equipment operating with hydrogen based SNG blends (via methanation) injected into the gas grid

Stationary power; fuel cells

Residential stationary FC (micro-CHP)

This LAP examines • The installation requirements for connection of residential stationery fuel cells (micro-CHP) to the electricity system of the building and to the gas network, • The procedures for connecting FC micro-CHP to the electricity grid, as well as the special requirements for additional equipment and professional qualification of installers, • The existing financial support mechanisms for the market penetration of FC micro-CHP,

Installation requirement

This LAP analyses: • The qualification requirements for installers of electrical connections to the building , • The requirements for connecting the fuel cell to the gas grid, • The training and certification requirements for technicians providing gas grid connections • The differences in treatment between the stationary fuel cells and the benchmark technology.

Connection to electricity grid (injection of electricity)

This LAP deals with: • The grid connection agreements with electricity grid operators, • The equipment required to connect the stationary fuel cell and to inject all produced or only surplus electricity into the grid, • The qualification requirements for professionals entitled to carry out the connection works, • The differences in treatment between the fuel cells micro-CHP and other comparable technologies.

Price of electricity and support mechanisms

This LAP analyses: • The existing support mechanisms for stationary fuel cells (micro-CHP), • The legal treatment of FC micro-CHP in comparison with other types of cogenerations and solar PV plants, • The administrative steps necessary to benefit from the support mechanisms.

The HyLAW project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 737977.
This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research.