Delgaz Grid’s natural gas distribution networks, spanning over 26,000 km, are fully (100%) prepared for the use of biogas, while the polyethylene networks—representing 70% of the total length—are largely ready for hydrogen use. The company currently has three projects underway in the field of green gases (biomethane and hydrogen), viewed as viable solutions for Romania’s energy transition alongside green electricity and natural gas.
These are some of the conclusions from a roundtable on green gases organized by Delgaz Grid, the natural gas and electricity distributor that is part of the E.ON Group, in partnership with the Romanian Business Leaders Foundation, on December 4 in Târgu Mureș.
According to the National Energy Strategy, the development of biomethane projects aims for biomethane to reach a 5% share in the natural gas network by 2030 and 10% by 2050. The National Hydrogen Strategy includes the use of hydrogen (H₂) blended with natural gas or as pure hydrogen in the heating sector and recognizes the importance of the natural gas infrastructure. Production targets include generating 49 kt/year by 2027 and 153 kt/year by 2030.
“Decarbonization is not only a priority for the environment and for ensuring energy security, but also an essential factor in economic competitiveness. Natural gas will continue to play a fundamental role in Europe’s energy architecture, especially in our country’s energy transition,” said Cristian Secoșan, CEO of Delgaz Grid.
Romania’s natural gas transport and distribution infrastructure, stretching roughly 75,000 km, will play a key role in the energy transition alongside renewable energy sources. The distribution network alone totals over 60,000 km, and the high share of polyethylene networks (approx. 70%) makes their conversion to H₂ feasible. Converting existing networks into “H₂-ready” systems requires significantly lower investments compared to building new hydrogen-dedicated networks. At the same time, the natural gas infrastructure is already 100% prepared for biomethane use.
Delgaz Grid has already taken the first steps toward hydrogen-ready networks through the 20HyGrid project, which demonstrated that the use of a hydrogen–natural gas blend is both possible and safe in Romania’s existing distribution networks and in current natural gas installations/appliances.