Germany and Denmark aim to link their hydrogen transmission networks within 5 years

German gas transmission system operator Gasunie and its Danish counterpart Energinet have agreed to continue a project to link the planned hydrogen transmission networks in Germany and Denmark. The 550-kilometre cross-border connection is expected to be completed in 2028. 

The planned connection between the hydrogen networks under development in Denmark (Danish Backbone West) and Germany (Hyperlink 3) is intended to enable the cross-border transport of green hydrogen between the two countries from 2028. It will begin at the underground hydrogen storage facility in Lille Torup, Denmark, and end in the German municipality of Heidenau, south of Hamburg.

"Energinet and Gasunie aim to provide an open cross-border connection between hydrogen production, storage and consumers, in line with the forthcoming European legal framework. The project will offer a transport route for all involved entities and market participants, enabling them to sell their products or meet their demand for hydrogen,"the transmission system operators said in a joint statement.

Danish Backbone West and Hyperlink 3

Denmark's hydrogen network, Danish Backbone West, is due to be built between 2028 and 2030. It will involve both converting existing gas pipelines to carry hydrogen and building new hydrogen pipelines. The project is part of the planned European Hydrogen Backbone, which will connect areas with suitable conditions for green hydrogen production to centres of consumption.

Germany's Hyperlink 3 project is part of the broader Hyperlink project, which will be a major component of Germany's national hydrogen network (Core Grid) and the aforementioned European Hydrogen Backbone.

"Once completed, Hyperlink will connect the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark, providing access to offshore hydrogen pipelines and hydrogen import terminals," the operators added.

As with the Danish project, Hyperlink will rely mainly on converting existing gas pipelines to carry hydrogen, with new pipelines built where needed. The project is due to be implemented in several phases between 2026 and 2028.