Last week, during the European Hydrogen Week 2025 in Brussels, DVGW hosted a “get together” in the city together with ERIG and Ready4H2. The social event was attended by representatives from industry, academia and EU institutes who are involved in developing hydrogen.
ERIG CEO, Hans Rasmussen, outlined the importance of collaboration in the gas industry, to optimise the collective knowledge of all players for innovation and faster transformation. This was reiterated by Ready4H2 Steering Committee member, Bart Vogelzang (Alliander), who shared that knowledge sharing between its 70+ members was fast-tracking the members’ grid transformation for hydrogen. He also shared the project’s latest activities and research results, emphasising the evidence that shows the gas distribution grids are an essential part of the supply chain, and that Europe's energy transition cannot be achieved without the use of these grids to deliver green gases (biomethane and hydrogen). He reinforced the need for of integrated planning across the DSO-TSO delivery network, the potential for cost savings through using the gas grids (repurposed and new) for hydrogen, and the need for supportive regulatory and financial frameworks to support the grids to invest in the transformation.
Gerald Linke, CEO of DVGW, felt that the evening was a success: “The event fostered a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere with the wide range of attendees, from senior experts to graduates and from all parts of the hydrogen chain. This mix of attendees created a rich combination of conversations, perspectives and spontaneous exchanges – a key part of the European Hydrogen Week.” DVGW is thanked for hosting the event.
