29. 5. 2026
The permanent operation of the first natural gas and hydrogen blending station has been launched in Hranice near Aš
At HUTIRA, we are helping shape the history of the Czech gas industry. In May of this year, permanent operation of a hydrogen blending station was launched in Hranice near Aš. A mixture of natural gas and green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources, is now being distributed through the GasNet gas distribution network.
Our company played a significant role in the project by designing and manufacturing the natural gas and hydrogen blending station for GasNet. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,100 Nm³/h of natural gas and 600 Nm³/h of hydrogen.
“This moment marks another important milestone in the history of the Czech gas industry, opening a new chapter focused on decarbonised natural gas. I would like to acknowledge the work of our colleagues who, under the leadership of Technical Director and Chief Project Engineer Robert Sobočík, successfully designed, built, and commissioned the technology. It is a privilege to have been part of this important moment,” said HUTIRA owner Ivo Hutira.
Ivo Hutira himself firmly believes that the metering and blending equipment supplied by our company will operate in accordance with the designed parameters—safely and reliably, not only during operational testing but also in continuous operation—and will thus represent another important step towards greener gas solutions within the Czech Republic’s energy mix.
The blending station is connected to the gas distribution network and ensures the mixing of a high-pressure natural gas stream from the system with a hydrogen stream. The resulting mixture is then transported via a high-pressure pipeline to a regulating station supplying a dedicated section of the gas distribution network. The entire installation is housed in a container. A container-based solution was also chosen for the commercial and control metering technology, which includes the control system and electrical installation.
Hydrogen is generally considered a fuel of the future, as it is relatively easy to produce and its combustion does not generate carbon dioxide emissions. It therefore represents a potential green alternative to natural gas and a renewable energy source.
Research shows that hydrogen contains up to three times more energy than gasoline. Per kilogram, it has an energy content of 146 megajoules. Due to its chemical properties, it is suitable as an admixture to natural gas, with a share of up to 20% possible without significantly altering the properties of the mixture. In the case of the Hranice near Aš project, the current hydrogen content in the blend is 10%.
“Hydrogen blending with natural gas has been discussed for some time, and from our perspective, it represents one of the future trends. It is important to highlight the courage and vision of GasNet’s management, as well as the determination to successfully implement this unique project—a hydrogen production facility. We would also like to acknowledge the management of Farma Trojmezí a.s. and, last but not least, the cooperation with the leadership of the town of Hranice,” concluded Ivo Hutira.