A European hydrogen backbone is considered one of the prerequisites for the ramp-up of a hydrogen market in Europe. This backbone is meant to connect the possible large supply sources in wind and sun-rich regions with demand hubs in industrial centres. Today, 31 European transmission system operators are working on the project. Daniel Muthmann, as head of corporate development, policy and communication at OGE, initiated the work on the backbone roughly two years ago. He thinks all the preliminary steps have been completed and that quick investment decisions are now necessary. Mr Muthmann moved to Berkeley Research Group at the end of 2022 to develop the European business as managing director for the global consultancy. I spoke with him at the end of his time at OGE about the status of the European hydrogen backbone, but also about other topics.
ener|gate Gasmarkt: Mr Muthmann: What is the status of the European Hydrogen Backbone Initiative?
Mr Muthmann: To answer the question, it is helpful to go back to the starting point of the initiative. At the end of 2019, everyone in Europe was talking about hydrogen. But the questions of whether there will be enough at all, whether the hydrogen will be affordable and how it will get to the customer seemed quite open at the time. However, it is crucial for the emergence of such value chains that the various market players gain confidence concerning the market's potential and feasibility...