HIPS-NET Hydrogen in Pipeline Systems – Network
What is HIPS-Net?
HIPS-NET is a European knowledge network focusing on the compatibility of existing gas infrastructure with hydrogen. Partners from 13 countries exchange information on hydrogen pipelines, gas grids, storage facilities, regulation, safety and other aspects of future hydrogen infrastructure.
The network aims to establish a common European understanding of the hydrogen tolerance of existing natural gas infrastructure. It brings together available knowledge from ongoing and completed projects and provides its partners with regular updates on technological, regulatory and market-related developments.
HIPS-NET is conducted as a project within GERG – the European Gas Research Group.
What does HIPS-Net do?
HIPS-NET collects, evaluates and shares publicly or royalty-free available information concerning hydrogen in gas infrastructure.
The network provides a continuous technology watch covering technical developments, regulation, standardisation and practical experience. Relevant findings are shared with the partners through quarterly newsletters and an annual workshop.
This enables network members to keep track of developments across Europe without having to monitor every individual research project, national programme or regulatory initiative independently.
Core research topics
HIPS-NET is concerned with hydrogen tolerance of the gas grid infrastructure. The following topics are highlighted in particular:
- Hydrogen infrastructure
- Standardisation and politics
- European and national regulation
- Gas turbines and engines
- Underground gas storage
- Natural gas as working medium
- Safety specifics
- Cross border transmission
- Education & certification of operators
- Energy metering
- CO2 infrastructure
Benefits for partners
Consolidated European knowledge
Partners receive quarterly newsletters summarising relevant technological, regulatory and project-related developments. The information is selected specifically for organisations working with hydrogen and gas infrastructure.
Support for strategic decisions
The collected knowledge helps partners assess infrastructure developments, identify potential technical limitations and prepare strategic decisions concerning hydrogen transport, storage and utilisation.
Direct professional exchange
HIPS-NET connects gas infrastructure operators, research organisations, associations, technology providers and other stakeholders from across Europe.
Early identification of research needs
Partners can contribute their own knowledge and practical experience. This helps the network identify technical bottlenecks, unresolved questions and areas in which further research or testing may be required.
Opportunities for collaboration
Where specific research needs arise, interested partners can form consortia and initiate separate collaborative projects.
Annual partner workshop
All partners are invited to the annual HIPS-NET workshop. The event combines specialist presentations with opportunities for discussion, networking and the exchange of practical experience.
Who is HIPS-NET for?
HIPS-NET is intended for organisations involved in the planning, operation, development, regulation or assessment of hydrogen and gas infrastructure.
Potential partners include:
- gas transmission and distribution system operators;
- hydrogen network operators and project developers;
- storage system operators;
- research and testing organisations;
- technology and component manufacturers;
- engineering and consulting companies;
- industry associations;
- public institutions and regulatory stakeholders.
Organisations interested in European hydrogen infrastructure developments and professional knowledge exchange are welcome to contact the HIPS-NET team.
Workshops & knowledge exchange
Workshop 2026
- Paving the way for H2: Technical and organisational insights from the Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park pipeline conversion
- EUH2STARS: paving the way towards the future of European Underground Hydrogen Storage
- Modelling the Combustion Heat of Hydrogen–Natural Gas Blends: Insights from the Hranice u Aše Pilot
- HYLOOP+, H2 flowmeter calibration laboratory
- Overview of current developments in EU regulation in the field of hydrogen
- Ready4H2 and Ready2Go – hydrogen through the distribution networks
- HyDelta program: Balancing of the regional hydrogen grids
- Reflection of HIPS-NET activities in 2025 and outlook 2026
Workshop 2025
- Overview of Gasunie’s current hydrogen activities
- Irish Update on Hydrogen Journey
- H2-Regulation: European developments
- H2-Activities in Spain & Denmark
- H2-Savety – study results
- Hydrogen Underground Storage
- AquaDuctus
- Results of the Ready4H2 project
- Reflection of HIPS-NET activities in 2024
Workshop 2024
- The Gas Package and further European developments
- Regulatory scope of hydrogen underground storage
- Experiences: Hydrogen Network Netherlands
- Capacity management of the gas grid with multiple renewable gas suppliers
- Engineering assessment for H2 blending into natural gas networks
- Need for further research on the difference between the lower flammability level and the lower explosion level of hydrogen
Partners from over 13 countries
HIPS-NET brings together organisations from 13 European countries. The network provides a platform for sharing national experience and developing a common understanding of hydrogen compatibility across European gas infrastructure.
FAQ
What is HIPS-NET?
HIPS-NET is a European knowledge network for hydrogen in pipeline systems and gas infrastructure. It provides information about the hydrogen tolerance of existing gas infrastructure and follows technological and regulatory developments across Europe.
What is the main objective of HIPS-NET?
The objective is to establish a common European understanding of how existing natural gas infrastructure can be used, adapted or assessed for hydrogen.
Does HIPS-NET conduct research or component testing?
No. Dedicated research, testing and investigation activities are not carried out within HIPS-NET itself. However, partners can initiate separate collaborative projects where research needs are identified.
How do partners receive information?
Partners receive quarterly newsletters and are invited to an annual workshop featuring specialist presentations and professional exchange.
Which subjects are covered?
The network covers hydrogen pipelines, gas grid conversion, underground storage, safety, metering, regulation, standardisation, cross-border transmission, operator qualification and related infrastructure topics.
How can an organisation join HIPS-NET?
Interested organisations can contact the HIPS-NET team or submit an enquiry using the registration form.
Join HIPS-NET
Would you like to follow European hydrogen infrastructure developments, exchange knowledge with other industry stakeholders and contribute your organisation’s experience?
Contact the HIPS-NET team to learn more about participation and partnership opportunities.
