Recap: NEFI Technology Talk with Green Tech Valley – Integrated Gas and Heat Networks

Energy Infrastructure of the Future

What is required to make energy infrastructure – particularly gas, CO₂ and heat networks – fit for the future and capable of actively contributing to the energy transition? This central question was the focus of the NEFI Technology Talk, which took place on June 2^nd, 2025 at Technical University of Leoben (Chair of Energy Network Technology), in cooperation with Green Tech Valley. Experts from academia and practice engaged in an in-depth discussion, drawing on insights from the latest Green Tech Radar, which explores key topics of the energy transition regularly, analysing both the current state of research and the potential for future developments.

Heating Networks in Transition

Future heating networks will be characterised by two key developments: on the one hand, they will become larger, with the emergence of the first supra-regional heat transmission lines; on the other hand, they will operate at lower temperatures to enable more efficient and exergy-saving operation. In his presentation on the technical and economic feasibility of supra-regional heating networks, Josef Steinegger impressively demonstrated that such heat transmission systems are economically attractive for both customers and heat producers. Moreover, they exhibit higher efficiency compared to conventional local heating networks. A further advantage lies in the improved utilisation of existing plants: supra-regional systems allow for more full-load hours and the use of additional heat without the need to build new facilities. Compared to similarly scaled local projects, this translates into an investment advantage of nearly 50 percent.

Trend towards Anergy Networks

Another emerging trend is that of so-called anergy networks – heating systems that operate near ambient temperature. The final heating temperature is then generated decentrally at the consumption site using heat pumps. However, the efficient use of such systems requires buildings that meet low-energy standards. The primary advantage of anergy networks lies in their significant potential for exergy savings.

Gas Networks of the Future

A clear trend is also emerging in the gas sector: an increasing number of new hydrogen pipelines are being constructed, and existing methane infrastructure is being repurposed for hydrogen transport. At the same time, the injection of biomethane into existing networks is on the rise. Raphael Bertagnolli from AGGM illustrated this transformation with the development plans for Austria’s future hydrogen grid. The first fully hydrogen-based networks are expected to go into operation within the next five years. Furthermore, Austria, much like its current role in natural gas storage, is well positioned to become a key location for hydrogen storage. Existing natural gas storage facilities could be rapidly retrofitted for hydrogen use, while in the long term, aquifer storage presents an additional viable option.

Construction of CO₂ Transport Networks

CO₂ transport infrastructure is widely regarded as a crucial component of the future energy system. Even with consistent reliance on renewable energy sources, so-called hard-to-abate emissions remain unavoidable in sectors such as cement production and waste management. At the same time, demand for carbon in the chemical industry and for synthetic fuels is increasing, still largely met through fossil sources. The greatest challenge lies in efficiently connecting CO₂ sources and sinks. Susanne Hochmeister of Technical University of Leoben underlined the urgent need for high-performance and strategically planned CO₂ transport infrastructure. Ideally, CO₂ should be transported in dense or supercritical phase – under pressures of 85 to 150 bar – to allow for high-volume transport efficiency. These pressure requirements necessitate the construction of dedicated CO₂ pipelines. Globally, over 9,000 kilometres of CO₂ pipelines already exist. Initial projects typically consist of simple point-to-point connections, while an increasing number of regional clusters are now being developed to pool and transport CO₂ across longer distances. In the long term, a supra-regional, cross-border network – akin to today’s electricity and gas grids – is envisaged.

Panel Discussion: Energy Transition Now – or Austria Risks Falling Behind

A concluding panel discussion provided the audience with the opportunity to engage directly with the expert panellists. On stage were Valentin Ernst (Energie AG OÖ), Thomas Kienberger (Technical University of Leoben/NEFI), Elvira Lutter (WIVA P&G), Adolf Melcher (Kelag Energie & Wärme), and Susanne Supper (Green Energy Lab) – all highly respected experts in their respective fields. A key takeaway from the discussion was clear: despite notable progress, Austria must significantly accelerate its infrastructure expansion and energy transition efforts to remain competitive on the international stage. Renewable technologies are already the most economically viable form of energy, and the global shift towards renewables will continue with or without Austria’s participation. There was consensus that funding schemes for renewable energy must be sustainable and reliable. The panellists clearly favoured long-term, even if smaller, subsidies over short-term and volatile programmes – particularly due to the greater planning security and willingness to invest they offer. The panel concluded with a cautiously optimistic outlook: demand for skilled professionals in the energy sector – especially in infrastructure and renewables – is high, and young people are increasingly interested in shaping this future-oriented field. Fittingly, one panellist summed it up with a witty and memorable remark: “The energy sector is sexy.”