The hydrogen ramp-up is picking up speed - even away from the planned core network routes. In order to supply industry, SMEs and energy suppliers nationwide, additional network expansions are needed to get from the "hydrogen motorways" of the future H2 core network to the customers. This is precisely where Thyssengas comes in - and is developing local connection solutions with regional partners. The current feasibility study is examining specific connection options for the Neuss and Düsseldorf-West region, thus creating the basis for a regional H2 transport infrastructure.
Hydrogen for the Neuss/Düsseldorf-West region
The initiative for the study is the result of a joint commitment by Thyssengas, Netzgesellschaft Düsseldorf, Stadtwerke Neuss and the aluminium recycling and rolling company Speira.
"The H2 ramp-up will only succeed if we think beyond the core network and also consider regions that are not directly connected to the core network when it comes to H2 supply," says Ansgar Taubitz, Head of Hydrogen Market Development at Thyssengas. "With the feasibility study, we want to show what an expansion of our future hydrogen network could look like - and thus lay the foundation for a sustainable energy supply in the Rhineland."
Netzgesellschaft Düsseldorf is involved in the project at an early stage: "Hydrogen is an important component of the future energy supply and industrial transformation. With our commitment, we are laying the foundation for another key pillar of Düsseldorf's green energy future," says Antje Pelzer, Project Manager at Netzgesellschaft Düsseldorf.
Stadtwerke Neuss also sees the study as a significant step for the region: "For us, it is crucial to connect companies and consumers in the region to a sustainable infrastructure," says Technical Managing Director Thomas Walkiewicz. "This requires foresight, initiative - and a close partnership between all parties involved."
"For Speira, hydrogen is a key to decarbonisation," explains Speira Managing Director Volker Backs. "By using hydrogen, we can make production processes sustainable. Prompt access to the H2 core grid is therefore of great importance to us."
Grid expansion planned in three stages
A three-part expansion concept is being examined as part of the study: The starting point is the connection to an existing natural gas pipeline, which will be converted to hydrogen as part of the H2 core network approved by the Federal Network Agency. Following this, a short section of another Thyssengas natural gas pipeline is to be converted for the transport of hydrogen. In the final step, this network system is to be supplemented by a targeted new construction in order to connect industrial consumers directly and establish a network connection with the distribution network operators.
Get involved now: Register your requirements
In order for the Neuss/Düsseldorf-West region to be included in future expansion stages of the hydrogen transport infrastructure, the cooperation of industry is now required.
"Anyone who wants to use hydrogen in the future should state their needs now and seek dialogue with the network operators," emphasises Ansgar Taubitz. "Only if the requirements are known at an early stage and are sufficiently specific can the hydrogen long-distance gas pipeline be considered and implemented in line with demand as part of the network development plan."
With the study, Thyssengas is creating the basis for a possible hydrogen supply in the Rhineland - and is thus laying a further building block for a nationwide infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia.
About Netzgesellschaft Düsseldorf
Netzgesellschaft Düsseldorf plans, builds and operates the electricity, gas, water and district heating networks in the state capital of Düsseldorf. As a central infrastructure service provider, it ensures the secure, economical and sustainable supply of grid-bound energy and media to citizens. More than 1,000 employees contribute their technical and commercial expertise to actively shape the challenges of the energy transition, decarbonisation and digitalisation. The company takes on a variety of roles - as a grid operator, metering point operator, technical service provider and partner for public lighting, power plant operation and waste utilisation.
About Speira
Speira is a leading European aluminium rolling and recycling company. Speira recycles up to 650,000 tonnes of aluminium per year and produces around one million tonnes of rolled products at a total of eleven recycling and rolling production sites in Germany and Norway, including its own research and development facilities. The plants include the Alunorf joint venture, the largest aluminium rolling mill in the world, and Grevenbroich, the largest finishing plant in the world. With more than 5,000 employees, Speira is proud to supply some of the most recognised industrial companies in the global automotive, packaging, printing, engineering, building and construction sectors.
About Stadtwerke Neuss
Stadtwerke Neuss supplies the inhabitants of the growing city of Neuss with natural gas, electricity, district and local heating and water. It also provides local public transport including new mobility services and operates swimming pools, an ice rink and a sauna complex. Stadtwerke Neuss is shaping the local energy and heating transition as well as the mobility transition. Municipal heating planning is being developed with the city of Neuss. The expansion of the charging infrastructure for e-mobility, including fast-charging stations, is being further accelerated. In the past, the municipal utilities have already invested heavily in the expansion of renewable energies, both directly and through shareholdings. The expansion of PV on municipal roofs has been gaining momentum since 2024.
About Thyssengas
Thyssengas GmbH is a German transmission system operator. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, is headquartered in Dortmund. Thyssengas operates a gas network around 4,400 kilometres long - mostly in North Rhine-Westphalia, but also with individual pipelines in Lower Saxony. It supplies downstream distribution network operators as well as industrial companies and power plants. Thyssengas is focussing on hydrogen as a gaseous energy source for a climate-neutral future. The Dortmund-based network operator is involved in numerous initiatives to this end. At the same time, it is making targeted investments in the conversion of its pipeline system to enable a rapid hydrogen ramp-up as part of the energy transition. The company currently employs around 550 people at eight locations in the grid area, and the number is growing.