As the gas networks currently under construction have service life of several decades, they should be ready to distribute at least admixtures of hydrogen in the near future. Therefore, Polska Spółka Gazownictwa, in line with the objectives of the Polish Hydrogen Strategy, has decided to launch an innovative project for the certification of the network under construction.

Since autumn 2014, we have been looking closely into the possibility of distributing a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen or pure hydrogen via the gas networks in operation. In view of the lack of standards and technical specifications both EU and domestic levels, together with our partners, i.e. the Oil and Gas Institute at the National Research Institute and Gaz Sp. z o.o. based in Błonie, we are starting to certify three investment projects. During the certification, we will use a proprietary programme of the Oil and Gas Institute, said Robert Więckowski, President of Polska Spółka Gazownictwa.

The project will involve studies in Lower Silesia on the effect of hydrogen on both polyethylene and steel gas network in the medium and increased medium pressure ranges. The investments are as follows:

• reconstruction of the increased-pressure gas pipeline between Biernatki and Legnica,
• construction of a medium-pressure gas pipeline between Jelenia Góra and Piechowice,
• construction of a medium-pressure gas pipeline between Stanowice and Iwiny.

In the first stage, currently in progress, the documentation held by the company is being analysed. The conclusions and recommendations will be used during the second stage involving an audit of the construction processes and procedures used by the contractor during project implementation, added Mariusz Konieczny, Director of Oddział Zakład Gazowniczy in Wrocław.

The completion date for the first stage is July/August 2023. The first sections of the gas network will be fully assessed two months later and the project will be finalized when the investment work is completed.