The Nationale Organisation Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellentechnologie (NOW) and the Deutsche Energie-Agentur (Dena) have published a study on the future supply of the German hydrogen filling station infrastructure via an H₂ pipeline network. It shows that a central „hydrogen hub“ on the H₂ core network could be a cost-effective and sustainable solution. The model bundles processes such as H₂ purification, increases efficiency and cost-effectiveness and could distribute hydrogen to nearby refuelling stations.
The study ‘Studie „Versorgung der H₂-Tankstelleninfrastruktur in Deutschland über ein H₂-Pipeline-Netz“ analysed four supply options: the direct connection of filling stations to the core network, the use of an H₂ hub on the core or distribution network and the connection to the distribution network. It shows that H₂ hubs can reduce transport and processing costs from certain distances due to economies of scale. Nevertheless, there are technological challenges, particularly in hydrogen processing, which is why a pilot phase is recommended.
NOW COO Alina Hain emphasises that H₂ hubs on the core network could guarantee security of supply and low delivery costs, even if demand increases. Dena Managing Director Kristina Haverkamp emphasises that a nationwide, economical hydrogen supply is crucial for investments in hydrogen vehicles.
H₂ strategy for transport: coordinated planning, hubs and efficient technologies for market ramp-up
The study recommends coordinated planning between the H₂ network and refuelling stations as well as a platform for recording future hydrogen demand in transport. The planned German H₂ core network, which is to go into operation in stages from 2025, comprises 9,000 km, of which around 60 % are to be converted from existing natural gas pipelines. Investments totalling 19 billion euros by 2032 are to be financed via network charges.
A large demand for hydrogen is expected in road transport, especially for heavy-duty trucks, which could reach 385,000 to 510,000 tonnes by 2030 and up to 2 million tonnes by 2050 according to scenarios. Uncertainties in the development of demand emphasise the relevance of the hub model as a cost-efficient solution for the market ramp-up of H₂ trucks.
The study provides nine recommendations for action, including the synchronisation of planning for H₂ networks and filling stations, the identification of hub locations, new operator models and the development of efficient H₂ processing technologies. Early determination of network charges is also seen as central to planning security.
