Integrated Natural Gas and Hydrogen Dataset for Energy System Optimization Models - Austria (2025 - 2040)

This dataset provides a spatially highly resolved representation of Austria’s natural gas and hydrogen infrastructure towards 2040, specifically designed for use in energy system optimization models (ESOMs) and other quantitative energy system analyses requiring explicit network topologies. This dataset is the underlying dataset presented in the contribution “Mapping Austria’s Natural Gas and Hydrogen Infrastructure Plans” at the EnInnov 2026 conference. The dataset covers the complete natural gas transmission and distribution network down to the medium-pressure level and integrates hydrogen infrastructure expansion and repurposing plans as outlined in the Austrian Hydrogen Roadmap published by the Austrian Gas Grid Management (AGGM). The gas transmission network was reconstructed from publicly available ENTSOG infrastructure maps, converted into a topologically consistent graph representation, and enriched with technical attributes (e.g. pipeline diameters, pressure levels, and names) through automated spatial matching with open-source datasets such as Global Energy Monitor. To increase spatial resolution, high- and medium-pressure distribution networks were added based on publicly available Austrian infrastructure information. Due to limited availability of detailed technical data at the distribution level, these networks are represented using transparent and technically feasible parameter approximations, which can be modified on an element-wise basis as more detailed data becomes available. A key feature of the dataset is the explicit, time-dependent representation of the transition from natural gas to hydrogen infrastructure within a single unified network topology. Existing natural gas pipelines designated for hydrogen conversion and newly constructed hydrogen pipelines are integrated using a node-splitting approach and short-pipe connector elements that are activated or deactivated at predefined years. This enables a consistent modeling of parallel natural gas and hydrogen operation over time without the need for separate snapshot datasets for individual transition stages. In addition to pipeline infrastructure, the dataset includes gas and hydrogen demand nodes, biogas production facilities, electrolyzers, gas storage units, compressor stations, and gas-fired power plants, making it directly applicable for integrated and sector-coupled energy system analyses. The dataset is provided in geo-referenced, standardized GeoJSON format, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and ease of modification. All data are derived exclusively from publicly available sources and reproducible processing steps. Where detailed technical information is unavailable, conservative and well-documented assumptions are applied. The dataset is intended as a flexible baseline representation rather than a finalized infrastructure model and supports scenario-specific modifications, alternative hydrogen transition pathways, and future extensions to larger geographic scopes.