The SHIMMER project (Safe Hydrogen Injection Modelling and Management for European Gas Network Resilience) has developed a comprehensive open-access database designed to facilitate the safe integration of hydrogen into European natural gas infrastructure. This resource addresses a critical need as hydrogen produced from renewable sources becomes increasingly important for decarbonizing Europe's energy sector.
The database currently contains detailed information on approximately 43,195 kilometers of gas pipelines across 262 records, capturing essential parameters including material grade, design pressure, inner diameter, installation year, and operational conditions. Data has been compiled from open sources and direct contributions from transmission and distribution system operators participating in the project, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
One of the database's primary strengths is its ability to provide harmonized infrastructure data across different European countries. This standardization enables consistent assessment of hydrogen compatibility, a crucial requirement when evaluating whether existing pipelines and components can safely accommodate hydrogen injection or blending. Material compatibility, pressure ratings, and age of infrastructure are all critical factors that determine hydrogen readiness.
The SHIMMER initiative directly supports European Commission hydrogen roadmaps and strategies aimed at accelerating the clean energy transition. By providing accessible technical information about gas network characteristics, the database reduces uncertainty in planning hydrogen integration projects and helps identify infrastructure gaps or requirements for upgrades.
The platform facilitates research and development of hydrogen injection methodologies while supporting pilot projects across Europe. Network operators, engineers, and policymakers can use the database to conduct feasibility studies, assess regional hydrogen readiness, and make informed decisions about infrastructure investments.
As Europe moves toward greater hydrogen adoption, this publicly available resource represents a significant step in de-risking the transition. By centralizing validated data on existing gas infrastructure, SHIMMER reduces duplication of effort and accelerates consensus on technical requirements for safe hydrogen integration across the continent.
