In the EU project SHIMMER, the German institute for materials research and testing BAM is working on a comprehensive knowledge database. There, important information on standards for safe materials and components as well as on the European gas infrastructure is to be made available. SHIMMER will be led by the Norwegian research organization SINTEF. The project brings together twelve European institutions, including national institutes and gas network operators from the countries Spain, Italy, Norway, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
In October 2024, the German Federal Network Agency approved the plans for the hydrogen core network. Hydrogen is expected to flow through some sections as early as 2025. Despite turbulent times, the network operators remain confident about the new infrastructure.
There is extensive demand for hydrogen in both municipalities and industry. In this environment, plans for implementing these market requirements are now becoming more concrete. The recent decision to set up an H2 core network (see p. 18) is seen as the initial spark for this. In view of the supply situation, however, it is clear that the focus must increasingly be on the distribution network, which was also made clear at the DVGW Congress.
