Hydrogen market development

Hydrogen as a response to the challenges of energy transition

The energy transition is no longer merely a direction in the development process; it has become an intrinsic component of economic policy, industrial strategies and infrastructure planning. One of the major challenges of this process remains the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate branches of economy and industry where direct electrification is limited or uneconomical. This applies primarily to heavy industry, the chemical sector, fertiliser production, as well as maritime and air transport.

In this context, hydrogen is gaining more and more importance as an energy carrier and industrial feedstock that can substantially contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in the economic sectors listed above. Its potential derives from a number of advantages, including the possibility of using renewable sources for its production, as well as its wide range of applications in industry and the energy sector.

However, the development of a hydrogen economy will not be possible without the appropriate infrastructure in place. As in the case of natural gas or electricity, it is essential to establish a transmission network enabling safe, efficient and reliable transport of hydrogen between its production, storage and consumption sites.
 

From plans to future infrastructure

At present, no domestic hydrogen transmission infrastructure is operated in Poland. However, preparatory work, technical analyses and planning activities are underway, aimed at determining the optimum model for the development of the future network.

These activities enable the identification of the future needs of hydrogen consumers and producers, the analysis of potential flow directions, and the identification of areas where network development will be of critical importance for the economy and energy security.
 

Economic and social benefits

The development of hydrogen transmission infrastructure may bring future benefits to both the economy and society alike. At the social level, it will support the diversification of energy sources, bolster energy security and create favourable conditions for reduction of emissions in industry and transport. In the longer term, it may also contribute to greater stability and predictability of energy costs for consumers.

Hydrogen infrastructure is equally important for economic development. Its expansion can enhance the country’s investment attractiveness, support the development of technological and engineering expertise, and stimulate the creation of new value chains related to the production, storage, transmission and consumption of hydrogen.
 

Hydrogen transmission as a component of a modern economic system

The experience gained in the construction of other transmission networks demonstrates that properly planned infrastructure is one of the pivotal factors driving economic growth. In the case of hydrogen, it is expected to prompt the conditions for establishing connections between producers and consumers, increase the predictability of investment projects and support the gradual scaling of hydrogen consumption.

Therefore, incorporating hydrogen infrastructure into strategic network planning is a straightforward response to technological changes, directions of climate policy, and the expectations of market participants.
 

GAZ-SYSTEM builds the foundations for the hydrogen market

As a company designated as a Hydrogen Transmission Network Operator, GAZ-SYSTEM has undertaken preparatory work and planning related to the development of future hydrogen transmission infrastructure in Poland. The aim of these activities is to provide the groundwork for the safe, efficient and transparent functioning of the hydrogen market in the years to come.

The construction of hydrogen infrastructure is a multi-stage process requiring long-term planning, cooperation with market participants and consideration of technological and regulatory constraints. The measures undertaken today are aimed at creating the conditions for the development of a network that will support the decarbonisation of the economy, strengthen energy security and create new development opportunities for industry.