Yesterday, the Federal Network Agency approved a large part of the proposed hydrogen core network. The approved network covers 9,040 km – in comparison, 9,666 km were applied for by transmission system operators in September. Approximately 56% of the pipelines will be repurposed natural gas pipelines, while 44% will be newly constructed. The total cost amounts to €18.9 billion, which is €0.9 billion less than initially estimated in the TSO application.

Outlook:

The core network pipelines will act as the “highways” of the future hydrogen infrastructure. The next phase requires planning a distribution network, which will form the “national and regional roads” of the H2 infrastructure. Particularly important is the upcoming joint network development plan for gas and hydrogen, expected in the summer of 2025.

Our Role:

E-Bridge, together with transmission and distribution network operators, develops long-term gas network strategies and provides action recommendations with concrete implementation steps in line with regulatory requirements. Our expert team, led by Philipp Heuser and Lorenz Valk, supports investors, energy suppliers, gas network operators, and industry in intelligently and economically integrating hydrogen into the sustainable energy system of the future – for an innovative energy transition.

Contact us to learn more!

Map and figures provided by FNB Gas e.V.