Expanding the hydrogen network

In July, the gas pipeline network providers (Fernleitungsnetzbetreiber, FNB) have introduced a plan for a core hydrogen network that is to provide interregional connections until 2032. According to the preliminary draft, the H2 network is supposed to reach a length of 11,2oo km until 2032.

The core hydrogen network is based on 309 hydrogen projects. The total power of these projects is 101 GW. Besides these, other sources are introducing hydrogen into the network, e.g. shipping terminals, where hydrogen in alternate forms, for example as LOHC or ammonia, is delivered and then introduced into the net as gas. The core net can supply 87 GW of power to the hydrogen supply.

In order to guarantee the supply of hydrogen in Germany, already existing gas pipelines are to be refitted. “The goal is to refit as much as possible and to not build anything new”, says FNB managing director Barbara Fischer. The first phase of the core hydrogen net until 2032 should incorporate important elements of the hydrogen infrastructure, which still have to be approved by the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). A second phase is supposed to create the legal basis for a comprehensive development plan for the hydrogen net within the Energy Industry Act until the end of this year.