While the Austrian hydrogen strategy is still a long time coming, the German regulator BNetzA just recently executed on basis of the German hydrogen strategy already a public consultation regarding regulatory questions.
Central aspects in my view:
- Blending of hydrogen into the gas network: potentially an interim solution (10-20%); but the target model are pure hydrogen networks
- Market development: most likely a stepwise process; starting from (i) local islands via (ii) connection of these islands as well as production/import through cross-regional networks to (iii) mashed network similar to natural gas
- Regulation: definitiely in case of abuse of market power; many consider regulation due to the tight schedule and for planning security reasons in any case as necessary. Best approach might by a “dynamic roll-out” of regulation based on the actual market development
- Regulatory framework: for pragmatic reasons (again the reference to the tight schedule, etc.) application of the existing regulatory framework for network access, tariffication and unbundling of gas networks also for hydrogen; however, with differentation whereever necessary and appropriate
- Network development planning: mixed views whether the planning should be stand-alone or integrated in the planning process for gas. In any case, there needs to be a close coordination
- Tariffs: the majority is in favor of a cost-reflective differentation of costs related to gas and hydrogen networks. As a result of that, the scale-up of the hydrogen infrastructure may require support through public funding, etc.
Details: https://bit.ly/2J1PtoA
Picture source: Bundesnetzagentur
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