Biomethane Seen as Key to Greener Gas Amid High-Hydrogen Costs

The head of the Czech Gas Association, Josef Kotrba, believes that biomethane is the most promising option for greening gas. He sees it as a gradual process, with blending being discussed as a way to mix hydrogen into natural gas at a ratio of 2-5%. However, Kotrba notes that hydrogen's production is currently too expensive, with prices around 10-12 EUR/kg.

Kotrba attributes the high price of hydrogen to European regulations. He points out that the definition of renewable hydrogen under the RFNBO rules is extremely restrictive and requires hydrogen to be produced only from new renewable sources. This principle of additionality was introduced to ensure that electrolysers do not burden existing renewable energy sources.

Kotrba believes that a more realistic approach by politicians can ensure an efficient transformation without excessive reliance on subsidies. He emphasizes the importance of a long-term strategy for the sector's stability and suggests that biomethane production is technologically well-established and ideal for use in existing gas infrastructure.