Thyssengas, the transmission system operator, and Currenta, the chemical park operator, have joined forces through a joint letter of intent to establish a hydrogen supply network for the chemical parks of the future. This collaboration is set to kick off in 2030.
The foundation of this transformative project lies in connecting three prominent Chempark locations – Leverkusen, Dormagen, and Krefeld-Uerdingen – to Thyssengas’ forthcoming hydrogen network. Starting in 2030, these chemical parks will access hydrogen through three network connection points.
Dormagen and Leverkusen will witness the conversion of an existing Thyssengas natural gas pipeline into a hydrogen conduit, a crucial step in ensuring a clean and sustainable energy source for these locations. In Krefeld-Uerdingen, subject to the confirmation of the hydrogen core network, a brand-new hydrogen pipeline will snake its way between Duisburg and Krefeld, establishing a connection to this industrial hub.
To bridge the gap and deliver hydrogen to these chemical parks, an intricate network will be put in place. This plan involves a carefully coordinated border crossing with the Netherlands, marked by border points at Zevenaar and Vlieghuis, as well as a north-south corridor between Wilhelmshaven and Cologne, operated by transmission system operators Gasunie and Thyssengas.
Crucially, this initiative is part of a broader strategy driven by Thyssengas. The company identified six potential regions, or H2 clusters, distributed across Emsland, Münsterland, Ruhr area, and Rhineland regions. These clusters are home to a multitude of energy and emissions-intensive enterprises eagerly eyeing a transition to greener energy through hydrogen. The H2 clusters serve as incubators, nurturing the growth of an integrated hydrogen infrastructure.
This visionary project sets the stage for a paradigm shift in chemical park operations. By enabling the transition to green hydrogen, Thyssengas and Currenta open the doors to a more sustainable and diverse energy supply. It aligns with the global push for clean energy and decarbonization, offering a glimpse of a future where chemical processes are harmonized with environmental stewardship.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental responsibility, collaborative initiatives like this hold the promise of transformation. The years ahead are set to witness chemical parks standing at the vanguard of innovation and sustainability, driven by the power of hydrogen.
