5 March 2026 – In order to further support the ramp-up of the hydrogen market and offer market participants investment and planning security, the operators of the hydrogen core network will launch a coordinated process for reserving initial hydrogen core network capacities on 19 March 2026. This is based on today's publication of a market information package, which provides information on the development of the hydrogen core network in the form of clusters and the capacities available therein, and is available on the websites of the hydrogen core network operators. This will enable companies to secure the entry and exit capacities required for their supply relationships at an early stage – an important contribution to securing hydrogen projects in Germany.
"With the coordinated marketing process, we are taking another important step towards a successful market ramp-up in Germany and Europe. The reservation options simplify access to the hydrogen core network and give companies security for their project developments," emphasises Barbara Fischer, Managing Director of FNB Gas.
From the start date, capacities can be reserved on the basis of a model contract agreed within the industry using a standardised enquiry form. The enquiry form will be published on 19 March 2026 on the website of the hydrogen core network operator responsible for the entry or exit point. The basis for the reservation is the network and capacity structures for the years 2026 to 2030 published in the first step in the market information package. The hydrogen core network operators publish the capacity and cluster developments for the following years, taking into account the gas and hydrogen network development plan. With the start of the capacity reservation process, the hydrogen core network operators are providing an important impetus for cross-border hydrogen transport and market ramp-up in Germany. It creates a reliable framework for the development of supply chains and long-term investment planning in the European hydrogen market.
