21 June 2024
Enaon CEO Barbara Morgante and Enaon EDA CEO Francesca Zanninotti presented the role of the distribution in renewable gases at the 2nd Hydrogen & Green Gases Forum
The strategy of the Greek companies of the Italgas Group for the distribution of renewable gases in Greece and the crucial role of infrastructure in the energy transition, were presented respectively today by the CEO of Enaon, Ms Barbara Morgante and the CEO of Enaon EDA, Ms Francesca Zanninotti, during their speeches at the 2nd Hydrogen & Green Gases Forum organised yesterday by energypress in Athens.
Ms Morgante, speaking at the session entitled “The energy transition at a critical crossroads – The problems of integrating renewable energy production and the key role of hydrogen and green gases”, pointed out that Enaon, leveraging the experience of Italgas, has launched a study to assess the Greek networks in order to be ready for the distribution of hydrogen once, of course, the appropriate regulatory framework is in place. At the same time, the company intends to coordinate its actions with the gas transmission system operators.
«“On our part, we have completed all the preparatory work and are ready to play an important role in the energy transition in Greece. The network already in place and can be immediately used to distribute biomethane and, in the future, hydrogen,” stressed the CEO of Enaon. She also said that from next year the installation and replacement of traditional meters with the latest generation “H2 ready” Nimbus smart meter will start in Greece. The Italgas Group is the owner of the intellectual property of the cutting-edge Nimbus which, among other features, is capable of measuring different types of gas, even mixed together, bringing significant benefits to consumers.
Regarding the distribution of biomethane on the Greek networks, Ms Morgante pointed out that Enaon had already signed an MoU with the Hellenic Association of Biogas Producers (HABIO), which represents the largest biogas producers, as well as MoUs with other producers who have already expressed great interest in converting their plant for the production of biomethane. “The regulatory framework will be fundamental in assessing the sustainability and financing of projects,” Ms Morgante said, adding that the company expects to see in the revised National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) what the target will be. She said that recent studies have estimated that in order to reach the 2030 biomethane production target at European level, an annual growth rate double that of the last five years would be needed. Finally, she added that it is important to take into account the benefit in relation to the cost of investing in a new technology, so that it does not impose substantial burdens on the final consumer.
On her part, Ms Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA, who participated in the thematic session “Hydrogen and Biomethane Readiness Networks – The EU Dialogue on Network Specifications”, referred to the readiness of the Greek networks for the distribution of renewable gases. Enaon EDA currently manages a network of around 8,200 km in 9 Regions of the country. Last year, around 970 million cubic meters of natural gas were distributed, of which 44% to Greek industries.
«It is certain that hydrogen will play an important role in the next decade. But now is the time for biomethane and Enaon EDA‘s networks are 100% ready, i.e. without any modifications, to receive it,» stressed Ms Zanninotti.
Furthermore, she noted that Enaon EDA has already started the study to assess the readiness of the networks to receive hydrogen. Current studies are confirming the networks can accommodate up to 10% of hydrogen without requiring significant investments. «This year, the first assessment of the readiness of the networks to receive hydrogen should be ready, with the aim of completing in the first quarter of 2025 the strategic roadmap for the interventions needed to bring the hydrogen blend up to 20%», said the CEO of Enaon EDA.
In line with Italgas’ vision for the reception of renewable gases, the Enaon group, is immediately targeting the reception of biomethane in its infrastructure and is evaluating the conditions for the injection of hydrogen in the future, contributing to the achievement of Greek and European objectives for the energy transition.
