Ukrtransgaz, GTSOU to explore hydrogen market in Ukraine

JSC Ukrtransgaz and the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU) have signed a memorandum of cooperation in studying the possibilities of the market of renewable gases in Ukraine, including hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane, Ukrtransgaz has reported.

"The document envisages strategic cooperation between the two independent operators in decarbonizing the energy sector, opening up the potential of renewable gases in Ukraine, researching technologies and the processes of their transportation and storage," the report said.

In particular, the companies will jointly conduct research, study market opportunities, and coordinate promising routes and pilot projects for the storage of renewable gases and their mixtures with natural gas.

In addition, Ukrtransgaz and GTSOU will work on the creation of new supply chains for hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane, including supplies to European countries. They will update energy and climate policies and promote the creation of regulations necessary for further synchronization of Ukraine's energy sector with the European market.

Earlier reports said that four European gas transmission system operators, including GTSOU, had combined efforts to create a hydrogen highway through Central Europe.

On August 22, 2021, on the day of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Kyiv, Naftogaz of Ukraine and Germany's gas trader RWE Supply & Trading signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of the hydrogen economy.

In 2020, the European Union approved its hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe until 2050, in which, in particular, Ukraine was identified as a priority partner due to its potential to produce green hydrogen and the availability of infrastructure connected to the EU.

Green hydrogen is a component of the European Green Deal in the transition from traditional energy sources to their complete replacement by renewable sources. This process can take up to 25 years. At least $ 100 billion worth of investment is required for Ukraine for such a transition.

op