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HyBS: Simulation Paves the Way for Hydrogen in the Natural Gas GridA new research project funded by ÖVGW and led by AGGM could help accelerate the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Austria. Under the title HyBS – Hydrogen Blending Simulation, AGGM is developing a digital simulation system in collaboration with network operators and hydrogen feed-in partners to optimize the injection of hydrogen into existing natural gas infrastructure. Project partners include Netz Oberösterreich GmbH, RAG Austria AG, and Energienetze Steiermark GmbH. The goal of the project is to maximize the technical hydrogen injection potential of the current methane-based infrastructure even during the transition period before dedicated hydrogen networks become widely available. The key question: Can reliable network control parameters be derived from online simulations, despite uncertainties in forecast data and consumption behaviour? HyBS aims to deliver that answer. The system analyses a wide array of real-time data including forecasts and nominations for local consumption, injections and withdrawals, as well as hydrogen and biomethane production. Based on this information, gas flow control will be adapted to ensure that H₂ concentrations in the grid remain safely within permitted thresholds. A color-coded network visualization provides an at-a-glance view of potential risk areas, and alerts offer early warnings of possible limit violations. “The challenge lies in the complexity of the data and the multitude of influencing factors,” explains project lead Christian Ungerböck. “With HyBS, we are creating a tool that makes this complexity manageable - and thereby paves the way for the safe and efficient integration of hydrogen.” The project is structured into several phases: following conceptual development in summer 2025, an offline test simulation will be built. In early 2026, results will be validated. The decision to transition the system into regular online operation marking a key step toward regulatory approval is scheduled for June 2026. The bottom line: The industry is actively preparing for the decarbonization of gas supply - using digital tools to accelerate the transformation. |
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