GAZ-SYSTEM is Building an Ecosystem in Furtherance of Hydrogen Market Development in Poland
Polish hydrogen market development is progressing towards a new phase. This important aspect of the energy transition process is advancing initial planning and declarations into the concrete development of regulatory frameworks and functional systems. GAZ-SYSTEM has been designated as the Hydrogen Transmission Network Operator until 2036. Furthermore, the company is the first operator in the European Union to have obtained a certificate of independence. Additionally, the National Ten-Year Hydrogen Transmission Network Development Plan (TYDPH) has officially been approved. These milestones determine the structural framework for building national hydrogen infrastructure and accelerate the transition toward a low-emission economy based on the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC).
- Hydrogen has the potential to become an essential component of modern economy driven by clean technologies, which is why we are already developing the infrastructure and establishing firm, predictable conditions for the development of the hydrogen market in Poland. GAZ-SYSTEM, as the hydrogen transmission network operator, is set to play a leading role in establishing this ecosystem. We are building infrastructure that is necessary to ensure energy security, while unlocking new industrial opportunities and strengthening competitive advantage of the Polish economy, emphasises Miłosz Motyka, Minister for Energy.
- The development of the hydrogen market depends on strategic vision, a robust development plan and consistent implementation. The Hydrogen Transmission Network Operator's certificate and the agreed National Ten-Year Development Plan define the direction for our endeavours in the coming years. GAZ-SYSTEM is ready to assume a leading role in building the hydrogen market in Poland and in the Baltic Sea region. As Europe’s first certified hydrogen network operator, we are leading this initiative by setting standards for the development of infrastructure that has the potential to become the foundation of a modern, sustainable, and low-carbon economy. We are also establishing a robust framework for future ventures, thereby sending a clear message to market participants and investors. Concurrently, we are delivering projects of significant importance to the Europe's hydrogen landscape, including the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor, which is advancing through its successive planning and development phases, said Sławomir Hinc, President of GAZ-SYSTEM Management Board.
Certified Hydrogen Transmission Network Operator status
By decision of the Energy Regulatory Office, GAZ-SYSTEM was granted the so-called certificate of independence as the first hydrogen transmission network operator in Europe. This confirms the company's compliance with both Polish and European legislation regarding complete organizational, legal, and operational independence from energy production and trading companies. The purpose of that regulatory framework is to guarantee equal and non-discriminatory access to transmission infrastructure and transparent rules of market operations.Furthermore, the certification was approved by both the European Commission and the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), attesting conformity of the operational model adopted by GAZ-SYSTEM with all applicable European standards.
This certificate was one of the prerequisites for assuming the function of a hydrogen transmission network operator which GAZ-SYSTEM has been officially designated to perform until 2036. This enhances the company’s position in the development of the hydrogen market and hydrogen infrastructure in Poland.
National Ten-Year Hydrogen Transmission Network Development Plan
Another important component of the certification process was the development and approval of the draft ‘National Ten-Year Hydrogen Transmission Network Development Plan. Development Plan to Meet Current and Future Demand for Hydrogen in 2027–2036’.This document is pivotal to the planning process for national hydrogen infrastructure development. It outlines the strategic framework and the measures required to ensure the proper design of the transmission network with a view to meeting the projected demand for hydrogen in Poland and on a broader European scale. The adoption of the first National Ten-Year Hydrogen Transmission Network Development Plan confirms GAZ-SYSTEM’s readiness to take the lead in building the national hydrogen market.
The document also serves as a blueprint for further investment projects and market initiatives related to the development of hydrogen transmission infrastructure.
Development of the hydrogen market in Poland
The measures taken and milestones achieved establish a robust foundation for the growth of Poland's hydrogen sector. They constitute a vital part of GAZ-SYSTEM’s long-term strategy which aims to provide comprehensive support for the energy transition and decarbonization of the national economy.Investing in hydrogen technology and infrastructure development drives innovation while reinforcing economic resilience, security, and competitiveness of the national economy. It is also important to highlight the collaborative initiatives co-developed by GAZ-SYSTEM, namely the Pomeranian Green Hydrogen Cluster and the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor. These projects are of pivotal importance for the development of cross-border hydrogen interconnectors and Poland’s integration into the European hydrogen transmission network.
Results of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor market survey
GAZ-SYSTEM is one of the partners involved in the development of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) – a transnational project dedicated to developing a hydrogen transmission network that interconnects Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. This initiative aims to build a cross-border network enabling the transport of low-carbon hydrogen, fostering energy security in the Baltic Sea region and integrating the European hydrogen sector, whilst accelerating the decarbonisation of industry in the countries located along the new corridor. The project roadmap outlines a 2,500-km pipeline infrastructure designed to transmit up to 2.7 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year. Commercial operation is scheduled to commence in 2033 or beyond.A recently completed non-binding market survey (Call for Interest, CfI) for Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor provided information from producers, customers, distribution systems and storage facilities operators as well as potential users of hydrogen transmission services across six countries participating in the project. The results are based on 93 survey responses received from 81 companies representing 108 projects in total.
The findings reveal considerable market interest in the implementation of the NBHC project, corresponding to initial technical projections. According to the forecasts, by 2040, annual demand for hydrogen transmission is expected to reach 79.2 TWh, of which 64.4 TWh will be accounted for by industrial projects and 14.8 TWh by German distribution networks, corresponding to approximately 87% of the assumed corridor’s capacity of 91 TWh.
The survey also demonstrates that heavy industrial consumption will consistently outpace domestic supply of hydrogen in Poland, where production is expected to increase from 2.8 TWh in 2033 to 13.2 TWh by 2050, whilst demand will grow from 11.8 TWh to 32.4 TWh over the same period.
The participating transmission system operators will maintain an active market dialogue to accurately define the demand for NBHC capacity and to determine the most effective strategies for infrastructure development.
Find out more about results of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) market survey.
