The energy transition and the increasing focus on climate-neutral gases pose significant challenges for municipal utilities and local network operators. FairNetz GmbH must strategically address the long-term decline in natural gas usage and the potential shift towards hydrogen or other alternatives. Given regulatory uncertainties and open questions regarding the future energy infrastructure, a robust transformation strategy is required to minimize investment risks and identify opportunities at an early stage. The project aims to develop a well-founded assessment of the future use of the gas network and provide a structured decision-making framework for potential decommissioning or repurposing.
E-Bridge supports FairNetz through a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory, technical, and economic framework conditions as well as a detailed scenario evaluation of future grid development. In a structured process, current market and technology trends are analysed and aligned with existing heat and electricity grid strategies. Based on this, alternative future scenarios for the gas network are developed, considering different development pathways for hydrogen integration, grid consolidation, or selective decommissioning. Using GIS-based network analyses, regional energy demands are modelled, and grid conditions up to 2045 are forecasted. Workshops with key stakeholders facilitate the prioritization of measures and the identification of strategic and organizational implications.
The project provides a well-founded decision-making basis for the strategic development of FairNetz’s gas network. The developed scenarios enable forward-looking planning, considering both investment perspectives and decommissioning strategies. A detailed evaluation matrix leads to concrete recommendations, allowing for regular updates and adaptations to changing framework conditions. The transformation strategy strengthens FairNetz’s position in the energy transition, ensuring a sustainable and economically viable development of the gas infrastructure.
