GAZ-SYSTEM was granted the status of hydrogen transmission network operator in Poland
GAZ-SYSTEM, designated by decision of the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) as the exclusive natural gas transmission system operator on the territory of Poland, has applied for a certificate of independence and for derogation from the legal unbundling requirements for hydrogen transmission network operators.
In accordance with the provisions of Energy Law, upon submission of the above applications, GAZ-SYSTEM has officially become hydrogen transmission network operator (HTNO) in Poland (pursuant to Article 11 of the Act of 21 November 2024 amending the Energy Law). On the basis of the aforementioned provision, the company will act as hydrogen transmission network operator until 4 August 2026. After that date, whether GAZ-SYSTEM continues to function as hydrogen transmission network operator is contingent on the President of the Energy Regulatory Office decision granting the company a certificate of independence and GAZ-SYSTEM application for designation as hydrogen transmission network operator for another period.
The submission of the application for certification constitutes a basis for GAZ-SYSTEM to continue its efforts towards the development of hydrogen transmission network in Poland. Soon, the company will proceed with drawing up feasibility studies for a domestic and cross-border hydrogen transmission network, with the objective to define the technical parameters of the network, determine its technical feasibility, estimate costs and propose financing mechanisms. These endeavours are to be completed in late 2026 and the early 2027 and will constitute the basis for any decisions on proceeding to the subsequent stages in the implementation of individual investment projects.
The status of a hydrogen transmission network operator is also crucial in the context of the establishment of the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen - ENNOH). ENNOH is a European association to be established under European Union (EU) law in force, modelled on ENTSOG (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas) which brings together natural gas transmission system operators. Only those HTNOs that have initiated their certification process based on national legislation implementing Hydrogen and Gas Market Decarbonisation Package can become members of ENNOH.
The main objectives of the ENNOH will include the development of the so-called network codes defining the rules for the hydrogen market functioning with respect to the operation of hydrogen transmission infrastructure, as well as plans for the development of the hydrogen transmission network in line with the European hydrogen supply strategy.
