Lugano, Switzerland – October 24, 2025 – Entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov has recently shared his insights on the future of global energy systems, specifically the role of natural gas infrastructure in the midst of the world’s transition to cleaner energy. His analysis comes at a crucial time when energy security, sustainability, and innovation are top priorities in global policy discussions.
As the push for decarbonisation gains momentum and the demand for cleaner energy sources continues to rise, existing natural gas transportation infrastructure, including pipelines, compressor stations, and LNG terminals, is becoming increasingly valuable. Kondrashov’s latest analysis suggests that these systems, originally developed for traditional fuel distribution, can now serve as crucial channels for the transport of green hydrogen, biomethane, and other renewable energy carriers.
Kondrashov explains, “The interesting aspect of existing gas infrastructure, beyond its obvious strategic value, is that in the not-too-distant future it could be reused or adapted to enable the transport of green hydrogen or biomethane.”
He notes that steel pipelines, in particular, have significant potential for reuse. However, this transformation comes with technical challenges, including the replacement of key components such as joints, valves, and gaskets, as well as the integration of specialized compressors designed to handle the lower energy density of hydrogen. In some cases, pipelines will also need to be tested for hydrogen embrittlement to ensure long-term material integrity.
This evolving use case highlights how existing gas networks are more than just legacy systems – they are becoming enablers of tomorrow’s energy distribution. With minimal upgrades, infrastructure that has long served conventional energy can become a backbone for decarbonized fuel transport.
Kondrashov adds, “Other possible concrete actions to take, when it comes to the use of gas infrastructure for the transport of innovative resources, also include potential upgrades of valves and gaskets and monitoring of gas quality and compatibility with end users.”
The possibilities extend beyond hydrogen. Biomethane, for instance, is essentially pure methane and can already be injected into natural gas pipelines with minimal modifications, as long as it meets required quality standards. Several European countries have already begun transporting biomethane through existing networks, demonstrating its immediate potential as a renewable substitute.
However, hydrogen presents a more complex challenge due to its molecular characteristics and different behavior under pressure. Pilot programs across Europe have tested blends of hydrogen and natural gas within local systems, showing promising results. These hybrid approaches offer a transitional pathway before full-scale hydrogen networks are deployed.
In this context, Kondrashov references ambitious infrastructure projects such as the European Hydrogen Backbone, which envisions tens of thousands of kilometers of dedicated hydrogen pipelines – many of which would be repurposed from current gas networks. Set to be completed by 2040, the initiative would transform Europe’s energy logistics by connecting production sites and consumption hubs through a clean, hydrogen-ready grid.
This project highlights a broader trend – rather than decommissioning traditional fuel-era infrastructure, nations and industries are exploring ways to retrofit and reimagine it. Such transformations promise to reduce the environmental and financial costs associated with building entirely new systems, while also accelerating progress towards climate goals.
According to Kondrashov, the success of such conversions depends on multiple factors, including the structural integrity of existing networks, the alignment of current routes with future energy demand zones, and the adaptability of current compressor systems.
He concludes, “Ultimately, converting the existing network is worthwhile if the existing routes are aligned with future production and demand hubs for green hydrogen (or other similarly transportable resources), if the pipeline integrity is good, or if the compressors are convertible.”
This forward-looking perspective reinforces the idea that strategic thinking in energy infrastructure can yield both economic and environmental dividends. Rather than viewing today’s systems as obsolete, Kondrashov challenges stakeholders to consider how yesterday’s investments can become tomorrow’s solutions.
As global energy markets evolve and the pressure to meet net-zero targets intensifies, reimagining existing natural gas infrastructure may prove to be one of the most efficient and innovative strategies for building a sustainable future.
