Gas pipeline operators seek approval for German hydrogen core network

German gas transmission system operators (TSOs) have filed a joint plan for the development of the country's hydrogen core network by 2032, seeking approval from the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA).

The application includes a plan for pipelines of 9,666 km (6,006 miles), around 60% of which are based on conversions of existing natural gas pipelines. The expected investment costs total EUR 19.7 billion (USD 21.44bn). The feed-in and feed-out capacities amount to around 100 GW and 87 GW, respectively.

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The detailed application is available on the website of the association of the supra-regional gas transmission companies in Germany, FNB Gas e.V.

Now, the BNetzA will conduct a two-week consultation until August 6 and grant approval for the core network within two months of receiving the application documents. Once approved, the gas network operators will commence construction of the core network, with the first lines set to be converted to hydrogen next year.

The ramp-up fee will be set by the regulator in the second half of 2024.

"With the core network, we are creating a central prerequisite for the successful hydrogen ramp-up in Germany and thus for the decarbonization of industry and energy supply. It gives market participants the security they need to invest in the hydrogen economy and the transformation to climate neutrality," commented FNB Gas's chairman of the board Thomas Goessmann.

In June, the European Commission (EC) approved a EUR-3-billion state aid scheme to support the establishment of the hydrogen core network.

A map of the plan filed by German gas TSOs on July 22, 2024 Map source: FNB Gas