Pioneering research to accelerate the energy transition

Together with our partners and academic institutions, we are actively engaged in comprehensive research focused on hydrogen, CO₂, and ammonia infrastructure. Our efforts are directed towards understanding and addressing the complexities and practicalities involved in repurposing our existing infrastructure to accommodate the future energy carriers. This includes evaluating the technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental impact.

Additionally, we are exploring the integration of these elements into an integrated energy system, aiming to enhance its sustainability and resilience. By leveraging the expertise and ingenuity of our employees, we aim to develop innovative solutions that will facilitate the seamless integration of hydrogen, CO₂ or ammonia into our current systems, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

FutureGrid tests hydrogen in real conditions

We are working with our British counterpart National Gas and with Northern Gas Networks, the distribution system operator for the North of England, to develop a hydrogen test facility. This facility will test the transmission of hydrogen in real conditions in various domains.

A 'mini-network' of natural gas infrastructure has been built that is separate from the existing network. Tests are an important addition to our own research into the repurposing of existing hydrogen infrastructure. Expert group DNV and the Universities of Durham and Edinburgh are also involved in the test facility.

HyFit and Hysource

These two university projects study the influence of hydrogen on pipeline steels and welding. The results of the HyFit laboratory tests have been presented to FPS Economy.

PIPELHYNE

This research with GRTgaz, National Gas, ENGIE and Transitgas/Swissgas aims to test different types of steel for their sensitivity to hydrogen.

Underground storage

We are looking into the practicalities of hydrogen storage at our Loenhout underground storage site. Extensive technical preparations have been made for the injection of hydrogen into the underground storage facility, and we have carried out the first tests after completing the permit procedures.

Hydrogen panels

Researchers from KU Leuven have developed game-changing hydrogen panels that are a highly efficient means of producing green hydrogen from sunlight as well as water vapour in the air. We are supporting the innovative project with our wide-ranging expertise in the analysis of gases.

H2GridLab

H2GridLab is an initiative to establish a participatory laboratory on the Anderlecht site of distribution system operator Sibelga to carry out tests, roll out pilot projects and amass knowledge of green hydrogen and its local storage, injection into networks and role in the decarbonisation of public distribution. H2GridLab has been supported by Belgium's federal Energy Transition Fund.

Interaction between energy networks

University research is being conducted into the interactions between different energy networks. This research is developing a simulation model for the Belgian energy system that integrates electricity, hydrogen, natural gas and CO₂.

These are certainly exciting times for making a difference and accelerating towards a cleaner future.

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