Hydrogen pipelines could be in Germany as soon as next year

Germany’s network regulator (BNetzA) has received a joint application from transmission system operators for approval to create a hydrogen backbone network. According to FNB Gas, this is a key milestone in the development of the hydrogen network.

Germany plans to build a nationwide hydrogen network by 2032. The application proposes an optimised core network stretching 9 666 km. A further 802 km is expected to consist of pipelines from 16 other potential hydrogen network operators.

According to Thomas Gößmann, chairman of the FNB Gas board, the hydrogen network is a key prerequisite for successfully launching the hydrogen economy in Germany and, in turn, for decarbonising industry and energy supplies. It gives the market the certainty it needs to invest in the hydrogen economy and transform towards a climate-neutral economy.

The proposed network is intended to enable imports of hydrogen into Germany and its transportation within the country. It is expected to consist mainly of repurposed gas pipelines (approximately 60%), with investment costs of almost 20 billion EUR. The system’s entry and exit capacities are approximately 100 GW and 87 GW, respectively. HYTEP reports.

BNetzA will now organise a two-week consultation, after which the regulator will approve the hydrogen backbone network no later than two months after the application documents are submitted. The system operators will then be able to start construction, with the first gas pipelines set to be converted to hydrogen as early as next year.

Despite the progress, Germany still needs to clarify future market roles, such as storage, especially during the market ramp-up phase. The transformation of distribution networks is also important to enable the creation of a nationwide hydrogen network and a complete market model for hydrogen.