For the first time, 25 Swiss gas network operators are publishing a results report on the transformation of the gas infrastructure as part of the CH42 initiative. The key finding: a large share of the existing networks is already fundamentally prepared for the transport of renewable gases—whether biogas, synthetic methane, or hydrogen. This means that the transition to a fully renewable gas supply by 2050 at the latest is technically well on track.

Swiss gas network operators are facing a fundamental transformation: the shift to a climate-neutral energy system requires a realignment of the existing gas network infrastructure. The CH42 initiative – Network Transformation Plan for Renewable Gases – addresses exactly this. It is aligned with the Federal Government’s net-zero target for 2050 and emphasizes the role of renewable gases as complementary energy carriers to electrification, particularly for industrial processes and applications that are difficult to electrify.

2025 Results Report: A Solid Basis for the Transformation
The first results report published today is based on comprehensive online surveys conducted among transmission and distribution network operators. Four thematic areas were evaluated: technical analysis, feed-in analysis, capacity analysis, and customer analysis. The focus in 2025 was on the technical analysis – in other words, the question of how well the existing infrastructure is already suited for the transport of renewable gases.

With around 12%, Switzerland has the second-highest share of renewable gases in the supply mix in Europe, behind Denmark. The results of the CH42 report clearly show that this is only the beginning: numerous network operators are preparing their networks for increasing feed-in of renewable gases such as biomethane, hydrogen, or synthetic gases. The goal is to ensure that feed-in and consumption of renewable gases are consistently aligned.

A high proportion of existing distribution networks is already fundamentally hydrogen-ready. In the transmission network, the material composition of the pipelines is also considered to be essentially “H₂-ready”; further assessments are planned for certain components. This means the transformation can largely be carried out within the framework of regular renewal cycles.

CH42: Coordination Toward the Target Network 2050
The name CH42 stands for renewable gases from methane (CH₄) and hydrogen (H₂) – while “CH” also stands for Switzerland. The initiative was launched at the end of 2024 and is aligned with the strategic directions of the gas industry, developed by the Swiss Gas Industry Association (VSG) and the utilities.

central element of the work is a rolling network transformation plan, updated annually, which outlines the step-by-step transition of the Swiss gas infrastructure to 100% renewable gases by 2050 at the latest.

As a platform for methodology, exchange, and shared principles, CH42 supports network operators in harmonizing regional transformation planning while consistently taking local conditions into account. The network operators involved in CH42 cover around 50% of distribution network kilometers, 98% of transmission network kilometers, and about 60% of Swiss gas consumption. The report thus provides a robust basis for further planning of the 2050 target network.

You can find the results report at the following link:

PDF Final Report (in German)
PDF Final Report (in Italian)
PDF Final Report (in French)

 

Key Facts

• Participants: 25 gas network operators working together with SVGW and VSG on CH42
• 2025 Results Report: Launch of the annual reporting series
• Data basis: Online surveys April–July 2025
• Key statement: Majority of infrastructure fundamentally ready for renewable gases, including hydrogen
• Coverage of participating network operators: approx. 50% of distribution network kilometers, 98% of transmission network kilometers, approx. 60% of Swiss gas consumption

 

Media Contact
CH42 Initiative (c/o VSG)
Janos Kick
Grütlistrasse 44, 8027 Zurich
janos.kick@gazenergie.ch
T +41 78 770 43 61
www.ch42.ch