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The use of hydrogen as an important energy
carrier is an essential element for global
sustainable development. However, there are many
significant challenges for implementing all the
components of a complete energy system based on
hydrogen. Despite these challenges, there is
global interest in hydrogen as an energy carrier
with commercial competition emerging for the
European Union (EU) from Japan and the US.
Urgent progress towards the development of a
full hydrogen system requires a practical
strategy within the context of an existing,
extensive natural gas system which has resulted
from substantial capital investment over a long
period of time. The transition to a full
hydrogen system will be lengthy, costly and will
require significant research and development.
The aims of NATURALHY are to test all the
critical components of a hydrogen system by
adding hydrogen to natural gas in existing
networks. This transitional approach will
provide further experience with the transmission
of mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas and, by
means of innovative separation technologies, the
hydrogen utilisation in stationary end use
applications.
NATURALHY will achieve these aims by means of
coherent and complementary objectives. The
development by IP HYWAYS of the road map for the
increased use of hydrogen in the EU will be
supported. Obstacles will be isolated and
possible solutions will be identified. The
economic, social and environmental costs and
benefits of hydrogen systems including
production technologies will be evaluated and
compared with existing systems. Issues of
safety, durability and pipeline integrity will
be investigated. A Decision Support Tool will be
developed to assist the technical implementation
of a hydrogen system. In cooperation with NoE
HYSAFE, awareness of the prominent attractions
of hydrogen will be raised amongst all
stakeholders.
A systematic and co-ordinated approach for the
generation of clear outcomes will be adopted in
NATURALHY with a comprehensive collection of
work packages which focus on all vital
components of transitional hydrogen systems. A
European consortium of 39 partners with
extensive experience and skills is assembled for
NATURALHY which involve major network operators,
hydrogen producers, specialist practitioners and
academic researchers in all relevant fields. In
addition to a highly skilled management team,
guidance will be provided by a Strategic
Advisory Committee consisting of representatives
from relevant (inter)national organisations.
Potential collaboration and synergies will be
fostered with complementary projects.
Established information networks will be used in
dissemination.
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