Germany is preparing for an important step towards the energy transition: the planned hydrogen core network is about to be approved by the Federal Network Agency.
Network operators plan to invest around 20 billion euros in a 10,000-kilometer-long hydrogen network that will consist of existing natural gas pipelines and new hydrogen pipelines. Despite the extensive expansion, however, not all regions will be connected immediately.
The Bad Lauchstädt site in Saxony-Anhalt acts as a real laboratory and is ahead of the actual implementation. Wind turbines, a large electrolyzer, gas storage facilities and pipes for hydrogen have already been put into operation here. Project manager Cornelia Müller-Pagel emphasizes the importance of this technical preparatory work for the entire network. This experience should benefit all network operators involved when the network is expanded.
In eastern Germany, the company Ontras will operate a significant part of the network. Press spokesman Ralf Borschinsky refers to a grant of 157 million euros. However, companies must first invest out of their own pocket and will subsequently receive the grant reimbursement. Industrial customers such as large bakeries, paper manufacturers and car manufacturers are showing great interest in a connection, as the green content of their products is becoming increasingly important.
Official approval pending
Before work can begin, the Federal Network Agency must approve the network plan, which should happen by mid-September. No major changes are expected and the first hydrogen could flow through the network as early as next year. Alexander Stolze from Stahlwerk Thüringen is waiting for a connection that will deliver hydrogen in 2028. Stolze points out that green hydrogen is currently eight times more expensive than natural gas, which is a challenge.
