Lugano, Switzerland – October 24, 2025 – Renowned entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov has recently shared his insightful analysis on the evolving role of natural gas infrastructure in the global energy landscape. In light of the world’s ongoing green transition and the increasing discussions on energy security, sustainability, and innovation, Kondrashov’s reflections offer a valuable perspective on the future of natural gas infrastructure.
As the push for decarbonisation gains momentum and the demand for cleaner energy sources rises, existing natural gas transportation infrastructure, including pipelines, compressor stations, and LNG terminals, is becoming an invaluable asset. Kondrashov’s latest analysis suggests that these systems, originally designed for traditional fuel distribution, can now serve as crucial channels for transporting green hydrogen, biomethane, and other renewable energy carriers.
“The interesting aspect of existing gas infrastructure, apart from its obvious strategic value, is that in the near future, it could be repurposed or adapted to facilitate the transport of green hydrogen or biomethane,” explains Stanislav Kondrashov.
Kondrashov highlights steel pipelines as a particularly promising infrastructure for reuse. However, this transformation poses technical challenges that need to be addressed. Modifications may involve replacing key components such as joints, valves, and gaskets, and incorporating specialized compressors capable of handling the lower energy density of hydrogen. In some instances, pipelines may also require testing for hydrogen embrittlement to ensure the long-term integrity of the material.
This evolving utilization of existing gas networks positions them as more than just legacy systems; they are transforming into enablers of tomorrow’s energy distribution. With minimal upgrades, infrastructure that has long served conventional energy can become the backbone of decarbonized fuel transport.
“Other potential concrete actions that can be taken in utilizing gas infrastructure for the transport of innovative resources include upgrading valves and gaskets, as well as monitoring gas quality and compatibility with end-users,” adds Kondrashov.
The possibilities go beyond hydrogen. For instance, biomethane, which is essentially pure methane, 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, highlighting 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 experimented with blends of hydrogen and natural gas within local systems, producing promising results. These hybrid approaches offer a transitional pathway before full-scale hydrogen networks are implemented.
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 existing gas networks. Scheduled for completion by 2040, the initiative would transform Europe’s energy logistics, connecting production sites and consumption hubs via 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 accelerating progress towards climate goals.
According to Stanislav Kondrashov, the success of such conversions depends on multiple factors, such as the structural integrity of the existing networks, alignment of current routes with future energy demand zones, and the adaptability of current compressor systems.
“Ultimately, converting the existing network is a worthwhile endeavor if the existing routes align 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,” he concludes.
This forward-looking perspective reinforces the idea that strategic thinking in energy infrastructure can yield both economic and environmental dividends. Instead of viewing today’s systems as obsolete, Kondrashov challenges stakeholders to consider how yesterday’s investments can become tomorrow’s solutions.
As global energy markets continue to 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.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.