A probe is being used to inspect the natural gas pipeline that runs between Kirchheilingen and Erfurt-Schwerborn. The line will eventually deliver green hydrogen to Erfurt.
Green hydrogen from the Thuringian Basin will be transported to Erfurt starting in 2025 via the natural gas network connecting Erfurt-Schwerborn and Kirchheilingen. The project is a collaboration between Thüringer Energie AG, Stadtwerke Erfurt, Boreas and Green Wind, Ferngas Netzgesellschaft, and the operators of wind farms. By 2025, it is intended to have 40% of Erfurt’s district heating come from renewable sources.
Investigating the 42-kilometer gas pipeline is the first step. Gas, which is still being utilized to produce district heating, flows with a probe.
Later, using electricity supplied by wind energy, hydrogen will be produced from water. Three electrolysers are available in the Kirchheilingen area’s wind farms for this purpose. Additionally, extra hydrogen gas can be pumped into a sizable underground gas storage tank close to Kirchheilingen so that district heating is not only accessible when the wind is blowing. The green hydrogen is subsequently injected into the combined cycle power plant in Erfurt.
The Thuringian Basin’s hydrogen will first be used to generate district heating for Erfurt’s industrial businesses starting in 2025.
