Honeywell announced the European launch of its 100% H2-capable diaphragm gas meter. The Honeywell EI5 smart gas meter, which has been successfully piloted in the Netherlands, is part of a broader initiative to align with the region’s goals outlined in the European Green Deal.
The new gas meter is capable of measuring H2 and natural gas, providing adaptability across the European continent. Once installed, these meters eliminate the need for future replacements, even as networks transition to H2, thereby reducing long-term costs and enhancing operational sustainability. The EI5’s design and functionality have been tested and certified by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), ensuring their safety, accuracy and preparedness for the evolving energy landscape.
“Honeywell’s H2-capable meters are key to facilitating a seamless transition to H2 energy across European utility networks,” said Kinnera Angadi, Chief Technology Officer of Smart Energy and Thermal Solutions at Honeywell. “We’re enhancing operational efficiency with meters that are ready for the future, helping our customers stay ahead in a market that’s swiftly transitioning toward greener energy solutions.”
In the Netherlands, the gas meters will be delivered to Enexis Group, one of the country’s largest gas distributors, following a pilot project in Wagenborgen. This pilot project is transforming residential homes from the 1970s, integrating them into a H2 network that includes not only the EI5 gas meters but also a H2 central boiler for heating and hot water. The project aims to pioneer the use of green H2 through electrolysis, marking a significant step in sustainable energy usage.
The 2020 Hydrogen Council report indicates that H2 costs are expected to decrease by 2030, making it competitive with other low-carbon alternatives. This leads large utility distributors like Enexis Group to commit converting their main gas lines to H2 within the next three years.
“The transition to clean energy is as necessary as it is complex,” said Ruud Busscher, Program Manager for Energy Transit & H2 at Enexis Group. “This project aims to challenge the way we operate by using an alternative to natural gas. We are finding out how the existing grid will be influenced by H2 and what new paths can be taken for a sustainable future.