Lithuanian gas transmission grid operator “Amber Grid”, distribution network operator “ESO” and company “SG dujos auto” signed a cooperation agreement to start Power-to-gas technology implementation. During this project the first green hydrogen production unit will be connected to Lithuanian gas system. Pilot project will be finished, and first green hydrogen will be produced (using P2G) in 2024.

During this research and development project parties will evaluate how to adapt current gas network to transport green hydrogen. In this project electrolysis unit will be using green energy and hydrogen will be transmitted to transmission and distribution networks. Hydrogen gas that will be produced by electrolysis unit will be blended with natural gas in different proportions and will be delivered to the customers.

Hydrogen production is recognized as of the main alternatives to fossil fuels and technology to reach climate change action goals. Last year European Commission approved Green Deal and Hydrogen strategy documents.

Green hydrogen production using electrolysis (power-to-gas) means electric energy conversion to gases. Direct electric current is used to drive chemical reaction that converts water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. In this case hydrogen gas is mixed with natural gases and such blend of gases is transmitted to end customers. During this project new Power-to-gas unit will be installed and operated in south-east region of Lithuania, this will be done by company “SG dujos auto”. This unit will include electrolysis device, hydrogen storage, compression unit and other equipment. Gas transmission grid operator “Amber Grid” will install hydrogen blending unit, green hydrogen intake node and monitoring units. International experts’ valuation in similar projects concluded that green hydrogen concentration in the gas mix can reach up to 10%. ESO will be participating in research to determine the impact for gas system and end users. The project is important for gaining necessary knowledge working further with the green hydrogen gas and directly start decarbonizing gas system. “Ignitis group” seeks to decarbonize all group activities.

Transporting hydrogen through the gas network will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid methane leakage and higher CO2 emissions. Mixing green hydrogen with natural gas is cost-effective in decarbonizing gas sector.

It is planned that the gas system will be adapted for the transportation of pure hydrogen or a mixture of methane and hydrogen by 2030. Lithuania intends to pay more attention to research and implementation of demonstration projects for raw hydrogen production, transportation and related activities in order to prepare for the transition to hydrogen technologies.

Hydrogen solves the problem of green energy storage. With the growth of electricity production from renewable energy sources and the accumulation of surplus energy in the grid and in the presence of fluctuations in electricity consumption, it is necessary to ensure a stable and balanced energy system. By converting the excess energy into green hydrogen and feeding it into the gas system, the energy can be stored in gaseous form and, if necessary, clean electricity or heat can be produced from it.