The Badenova Group and its subsidiary Badenova Netze have started construction of the first section of the H2@Hochrhein project. The planned hydrogen pipeline stretches 58 kilometers from Grenzach-Wyhlen to Waldshut-Tiengen and, according to the company, is the first of its kind in southern Germany. The pipeline will supply energy-intensive industrial companies on the High Rhine with green hydrogen by 2030. At the same time, the cross-border RHYn Interco project is being driven forward, for which several industrial companies have already signed purchase agreements.
In March 2025, construction began on an approximately nine-kilometer-long route between Albbruck and Dogern in Baden-Württemberg. The first section of around 350 meters was laid at the end of April. The H2@Hochrhein project was included in the national planning for the hydrogen core network together with RHYn Interco in October 2024.
“The development of an efficient hydrogen infrastructure is a key element of the energy transition. The fact that we are among the first to implement this in construction shows that We are actively, specifically and courageously helping to shape the transformation,” explains Dirk Sattur, Member of the Board of Management of Badenova.
Badenova Netze is one of the few distribution system operators in Germany that is working together with transmission system operators on the planned hydrogen core network. The close integration of long-distance and distribution grids is crucial for the development of the hydrogen market. In December 2024, Terranets BW commissioned a section of the South German natural gas pipeline (SEL), which is also set to become part of the hydrogen core network from 2030.
Hydrogen ramp-up begins earlier than expected
In addition to the current construction project, cross-border connections are also planned on the High Rhine. A current feasibility study with Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB) is investigating possible Rhine crossings and grid connections to Switzerland.
Cross-border connections are also planned: A feasibility study with Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB) is currently examining possibilities for Rhine crossings and grid connections to Switzerland. Julie Bürkle-Weiss, Technical Managing Director of Badenova Netze, emphasizes that the hydrogen ramp-up in the southwest is progressing faster than originally assumed thanks to the early approval and the start of construction. This creates planning security for industry and municipalities and strengthens the attractiveness of the Hochrhein region as a location in the long term.
The district of Waldshut and the municipalities of Albbruck and Dogern have supported the preparatory process. District Administrator Dr. Martin Kistler underlined its strategic importance: “It is a strong signal for our business location that the construction of the nationwide hydrogen network in Baden-Württemberg is starting on the Upper Rhine. This will give our energy-intensive companies clear prospects for the future.”
Industrial companies as important partners
Badenova is working together with companies such as Evonik, RWE and Bosch as part of a regional hydrogen initiative. The development of the hydrogen network represents one of the largest investments in the company's history. Full commissioning of H2@Hochrhein is planned by 2030, with the first hydrogen deliveries as part of RHYn Interco scheduled to start as early as the end of 2029.
In June 2024, Koehler Paper and Badische Stahlwerke GmbH signed a letter of intent for the purchase of hydrogen from the RHYn Interco project. A 15-kilometer pipeline from Weier to Kehl is planned for this, which is scheduled to go into operation from 2035. Companies in the catchment area have reported a hydrogen demand of around 1.9 TWh by 2035, with around 540,000 MWh at a peak load of 165 MW for the Kehl area alone.
