GCA shapes the energy transition: with assets and insight

The energy transition is a pan-European project, and Gas Connect Austria (GCA) is playing an active role in shaping this change. As Austria's leading transmission system operator, GCA is contributing its technical, regulatory and commercial expertise at a European level. One example of this is the involvement of Manfred Cadez, GCA's Senior Sales Manager for Market Development, who is co-chairing a joint task force of European gas and hydrogen network operators (ENTSOG and ENNOH).

The task force's objective is to develop a set of criteria for the repurposing of existing natural gas pipelines for the future transport of hydrogen. These criteria will underpin the European Ten-Year Network Development Plans (TYNDP), thereby playing a key role in developing a cross-border, resilient and sustainable hydrogen network.

Making existing infrastructure future-proof

At the heart of this approach is the idea of using existing natural gas pipelines in the most cost-effective, safe and sustainable way possible, rather than building new ones. This reduces investment and approval costs, increases social acceptance, and speeds up implementation. The draft criteria catalogue was presented at the Copenhagen Energy Infrastructure Forum 2025 and is currently being developed further as part of a Europe-wide consultation process.

Prominent examples of this approach include the SoutH2 Corridor project, around two-thirds of which consists of repurposed gas pipelines. Such projects demonstrate the potential of existing infrastructure. Such initiatives emphasise the need for a coordinated European roadmap and a clearly defined assessment framework to guide the transformation of existing networks.

Technical, economic and regulatory dimensions

The criteria framework is based on four pillars:

  • Technical feasibility – for example, in terms of materials, pressure conditions or operational safety
  • Security of supply – taking into account national and European requirement
  • Economic efficiency and market integration – through comparison with new buildings and evaluation of system efficiency
  • Involvement of relevant stakeholders – such as regulatory authorities and market participants

“It's about making informed decisions: What can be safely converted from a technical standpoint without endangering the gas supply, and in which areas would conversion be economically viable?” – Manfred Cadez

Our contribution to Europe's energy future is to use existing infrastructure in a sustainable and forward-looking way.