Towards a robust European hydrogen network

As global climate change concerns intensify, the European Union aims towards the decarbonization of its Member States. Over the last decade, hydrogen has received increasing attention as a vital element to achieve this decarbonization. However, the diffusion of hydrogen in the European Union is critically dependent on the emergence of a pipeline transmission infrastructure. This research aims towards the generation of a robust European hydrogen infrastructure between 2030 and 2050. To do so, a novel methodology combining Exploratory Modelling and Analysis (EMA) and graph theory is proposed. The essence of this methodology is to generate a network that performs well over a wide range of plausible futures. Results of this research highlight that a sizeable European hydrogen network may emerge towards 2050 with Italy and Germany at its core. In 2030, multiple relatively small networks may arise around Italy, Germany and the Benelux. These components can be expected to grow in size by 2040 but nevertheless stay disconnected. As of 2050, a cohesive European network spanning from the Balkan in the East to France in the West may emerge, connecting the previously disconnected networks.Complex Systems Engineering and Management (CoSEM