German gas transmission system operators (TSOs) have submitted a comprehensive plan to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) for the development of a hydrogen core network by 2032. The proposed network, covering 9,666 kilometers (6,006 miles), is expected to involve an investment of EUR 19.7 billion (USD 21.44 billion).
The plan includes the conversion of approximately 60% of existing natural gas pipelines to hydrogen use. The network's feed-in and feed-out capacities are projected to be around 100 GW and 87 GW, respectively. The detailed application is available on the website of FNB Gas e.V., the association representing Germany's supra-regional gas transmission companies.
The BNetzA will conduct a two-week consultation period until August 6, after which it will have two months to grant approval for the core network.
Construction is expected to begin following approval, with the initial pipeline conversions to hydrogen scheduled for next year. The ramp-up fee for the network will be determined by the regulator in the latter half of 2024.
Thomas Goessmann, chairman of the board of FNB Gas, stated, “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.”
In June, the European Commission approved a EUR 3 billion state aid scheme to support the establishment of the hydrogen core network.
