The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has approved the construction of Germany's hydrogen core network. 25 network operators plan to build a 9,040-kilometer network by 2032. The costs amount to 18.9 billion euros.
On July 22, the transmission system operators (TSO) submitted the final application for the hydrogen core network to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA). The BNetzA has now approved the application. The TSOs describe today's approval as a "milestone for the energy transition." According to Barbara Fischer, Managing Director of FNB Gas e.V., it also provides planning security for potential producers, consumers, and traders of hydrogen.
The 9,040 kilometers of core network will connect industrial centers, ports, and energy production sites with each other and link Germany to its European neighbors. Besides 15 TSOs, 10 distribution network operators are participating in the project.
The network operators plan to transport approximately 278 TWh of climate-neutral hydrogen through the nearly 10,000-kilometer pipeline network. About 60 percent of the pipelines will be created by repurposing existing gas pipelines. 40 percent must be newly constructed. The TSOs plan to begin implementation in 2025.
"Hydrogen Core Network: Foundation for Climate-Neutral Industry and Energy Supply"
Dr. Thomas Gößmann, Chairman of FNB Gas e.V., describes the hydrogen core network as the cornerstone of a new energy system that creates the foundation for climate-neutral industry and energy supply. According to the National Hydrogen Council, it enables cost-effective transport of large quantities of hydrogen over long distances. The hydrogen core network primarily targets the decarbonization of the steel and chemical industries. It also serves as a flexibility option for power supply and will additionally serve the heating and transport sectors.
The development of the core network results from 19 months of collaboration between politicians, the Federal Network Agency, and network operators. According to FNB Gas e.V., Germany is positioning itself as a pioneer in building European hydrogen infrastructure. Building the H2 market is now a joint task, says Gößmann. All actors are called upon to actively drive forward the ramp-up.
Connection of Distribution Networks Needed as Next Step
The National Hydrogen Council welcomes the approval but demands clearer political framework conditions and incentives for investments in hydrogen technologies across the entire value chain. This includes both the rapid expansion of other important infrastructure elements, e.g., distribution networks, storage facilities, and import terminals, as well as targeted support for investments in hydrogen supply and applications.
To decisively lead Germany toward becoming a hydrogen country, the distribution network must also be connected in the next step, emphasizes the industry association Future Gas. The gas distribution networks supply 20 million households, 1.8 million medium-sized businesses, and the manufacturing industry. The necessary clarity and political signal for their connection to the core network are still missing. According to Kehler, the gas distribution networks also play a central role for local and district heating supply, which will in future be provided by CHP plants using hydrogen, its derivatives, or biomethane.
