D4a.1 Grid balancing development for hydrogen distribution grids: characteristics and key gaps

As hydrogen is expected to play a pivotal role in the Dutch energy transition, adequate infrastructure is needed to safely and efficiently connect hydrogen supply, storage, and demand. Alongside plans for the national hydrogen infrastructure being developed by Hynetwork, the first regional hydrogen grids are in planning and development to serve regional hydrogen offtakers (e.g. Cluster 6 industry), which will possibly be operated by Dutch distribution system operators (DSOs). Users of these regional hydrogen grids will benefit from low-threshold access to a reliable and well-functioning distribution system. A fundamental component of such a hydrogen grid is a robust balancing regime to ensure that supply and demand are safely balanced, and system integrity is maintained.  

Nonetheless, a comprehensive balancing strategy for regional hydrogen grids has yet to be developed. The aim of this research is thus to scope a suitable balancing regime for regional hydrogen grids, specify the explicit functionalities that must be present in the balancing system, explore different scenarios of role distribution amongst relevant parties, and identify key knowledge gaps. This research is conducted in close coordination with the DSOs, that are preparing for developing and operating regional hydrogen grids and with natural gas and hydrogen experts at Gasunie, the current natural gas Transmission System Operator (TSO). It is a priority to engage with market parties (i.e., those involved in hydrogen production, offtake, and trading) in the future, to explore the topic in more depth with Gasunie, and finally with policymakers to reach a common vision of the future balancing regime for regional hydrogen grids. This report marks the conclusion of the first phase of research and provides an inventory of the existing knowledge related to balancing of regional hydrogen grids and identifies key knowledge gaps that will be investigated further in the second research phase.