According to an announcement on 22 October, the Federal Network Agency has approved the hydrogen core network proposed by the transmission system operators (TSOs) with minor adjustments.
The pipeline network, which is 9,040 kilometres long in total, is to be gradually put into operation by 2032. Around 60 % of the pipelines are to be converted from gas to hydrogen and 40 % are to be newly built – at an expected investment cost of 18.9 billion euros.
The hydrogen core network, which also takes into account the connections with neighbouring countries, is intended to connect the main hydrogen production, import and consumption points throughout Germany in future – as in industrial or commercial parks.
The path to a hydrogen core network: insight into the planning process
The TSOs already conducted market surveys on hydrogen production and demand in the Gas Network Development Plans 2020 and 2022. In addition, pipelines were identified that could be converted from natural gas to hydrogen. On this basis, the transmission system operators developed non-binding hydrogen modelling, which identified the first hydrogen clusters in Germany.
In order to build and commission the hydrogen network, more commitment was required from producers, consumers and pipeline construction. In spring 2023, the German government therefore decided to establish a hydrogen core network to connect the most important production, import and consumption locations throughout Germany.
Current planning status and legal framework conditions
In July 2023, the FNB and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection published their planning status for the core network. Criteria for defining scenarios were also presented. Gas distribution system operators were able to submit their proposals for pipeline structures.
In November 2023, the TSOs submitted a draft application to the Federal Network Agency, which was subsequently consulted and reviewed. Based on the results of the review, the application was adjusted and lines were added or removed in some regions. The final application was submitted on time on 22 July 2024.
Integrated network development planning for gas and hydrogen
The infrastructure is further developed as part of the regular gas and hydrogen network development planning. By consulting the gas/hydrogen and electricity scenario frameworks at the same time, future developments can be considered in an overall context. Once the scenario framework has been confirmed by the Federal Network Agency, the TSOs will adapt the hydrogen network to future challenges.
