The transition to a sustainable energy future takes center stage in global discussions, with green hydrogen emerging as a key element in decarbonizing the energy sector. This article provides a summary in French of the joint webinar by MEDREG x MED-GEM Network, aimed at exploring the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

The MEDREG x MED-GEM joint webinar, held on April 3, 2024, delved into the complexities of green hydrogen transport and storage, highlighting both the challenges, opportunities, and collaborative efforts to harness this clean energy source and overcome logistical hurdles. Structured into two main sessions, followed by an open discussion, the webinar fostered rich dialogue among stakeholders, reflecting the multidisciplinary challenge of establishing a viable hydrogen economy. An online edited video allows for a recap of the key moments of this event.

In the preamble to this meeting, Milou Beerpoot, Programme Manager for Regional Programmes Neighbourhood South - Energy, from the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, emphasized the synergy between MEDREG and MED-GEM Network projects in alignment with the European Union's climate goals for carbon neutrality by 2050. Emphasis was placed on the role of hydrogen as an energy vector in the sustainable transition, with MEDREG introducing a dedicated hydrogen task force to address issues such as funding deficits and supply-demand imbalances. Directors of partner programs, including Hassan Ozkoc, Director of MEDREG - Mediterranean Energy Regulators, Frank Wouters, Director of MED-GEM Network, and Mohamed Bernannou, from the Moroccan National Electricity Regulatory Authority and MEDREG Task Force Leader, discussed the critical role of infrastructure and the potential for repurposing existing gas pipelines for hydrogen transport, despite regulatory and bureaucratic challenges. The call for international cooperation to unlock the potential of green hydrogen in the Mediterranean region underscored the webinar's focus on overcoming obstacles to hydrogen adoption through regulatory adjustments, technological innovation, and international collaboration, making it a key meeting point for energy sector stakeholders.

During the fist session, Fred Wendt delivered an in-depth analysis on hydrogen's pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Focusing on hydrogen transport and infrastructure, he explored global trends in hydrogen production and demand, highlighting the strategic importance of the Mediterranean region. Wendt identified challenges in hydrogen transportation, particularly energy losses during conversion and the necessity to adapt existing infrastructures for its unique characteristics. He discussed technical hurdles like embrittlement and safety requirements, proposing solutions for current infrastructures. Wendt emphasized the need for a specific regulatory framework to facilitate pure hydrogen transport, noting current standards allow only up to a 10% hydrogen mix in natural gas pipelines. He also touched on economic implications and infrastructure optimization, suggesting wider pipelines and higher pressures for efficient hydrogen transport. Highlighting the global commitment to hydrogen infrastructure development, with significant investments in Europe, the USA, and Australia, Wendt called for collective action to address regulatory, technical, and economic challenges, underscoring hydrogen's essential role in a successful transition to a low-carbon future. The Q&A session further explored key challenges in developing hydrogen energy infrastructure, emphasizing material compatibility, the need for dedicated hydrogen pipelines, and the complexity of adapting existing infrastructures to this new energy form.

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During the second session, Mohamed El Tahan of the Egyptian Gas Regulatory Authority (GASREG) discussed transitioning towards a hydrogen-based energy system, highlighting the need for efficient infrastructure, stable supply and demand, and investment approvals. He emphasized the importance of optimal locations for hydrogen production and considered transport options, including pipelines and alternative carriers like methanol and ammonia, based on market penetration and costs. El Tahan advocated for using the existing gas network for hydrogen transport, citing its cost efficiency and reliability. He also addressed challenges in integrating hydrogen into existing infrastructures, underlining the need for thorough engineering assessments and close collaboration between regulators and stakeholders to adapt regulations and standards. El Tahan called for joint efforts to tackle unique challenges posed by hydrogen, particularly in terms of safety and technical and economic regulations, stressing the importance of certification to ensure carbon intensity and sustainability of hydrogen.

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The Q&A session with Frank Wouters and the participants sparked a debate on the feasibility and timing of converting existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport in Europe, considering the challenging regulatory and market assessment hurdles. The discussion also covered the situation in Germany, where approximately 70% of pipelines could be adapted for hydrogen, suggesting a feasible and economic pathway for conversion. El Tahan highlighted the importance of evaluation studies to understand the specific implications of conversion, indicating that risk analyses and modeling could clarify the feasibility and needs of the hydrogen transition.

Session 3 opened a discussion on the role and future of hydrogen in the energy transition, addressing technical challenges, regulatory frameworks, and economic incentives for hydrogen promotion, particularly green hydrogen from renewable sources. The debate considered hydrogen blending in natural gas systems and the viability of dedicated hydrogen pipelines, questioning the economic feasibility of these approaches and the growing industry demand for hydrogen as a means to reduce carbon emissions. The session concluded on the critical importance of hydrogen in achieving a sustainable energy transition, emphasizing the need for financial support and incentives to boost hydrogen production, especially in developing and hydrogen-producing countries, and discussing technical challenges such as hydrogen leak detection and the economic benefits of hydrogen pipeline transport over electrical connectors for renewable energy projects.

The webinar concluded with contributions from speakers from various partner organizations, including MEDREG, MED-GEM, MNERA, and DG NEAR, highlighting the critical importance of green hydrogen in the energy transition. Expert insights from Milou Beerepoot of DG NEAR, Hasan Ozkoc of MEDREG, Frank Wouters, and Omar Raafat, Noura Hajri of INRA MEDREG enriched the discussion, emphasizing the need to continue exploring the potential of green hydrogen, its role as a fuel for the energy transition, and the importance of collaborative efforts to overcome the technical and economic challenges associated with its transport and storage.