Thyssengas, Open Grid Europe and the Emsland Farmers’ Association reach a framework agreement

The transmission system operators Thyssengas and OGE have agreed with VEL on a
framework agreement concerning the acquisition of rights for the Emsbüren–
Dorsten. The framework agreement applies to the section of the pipeline in Lower Saxony and
forms the basis for the forthcoming consultations with the affected landowners and
managers of agricultural land. It sets out joint guidelines for the
acquisition of rights, thereby providing transparency and guidance for the next steps.

“With this joint framework agreement, we have established a sound basis for the further
project’s progress. We greatly appreciate the constructive discussions with VEL
. We would like to build on this and now provide information in person on the ground about the next steps
and listen to the concerns of those affected,” says Hubert Jesolowitz,
project manager for the Emsbüren–Dorsten H2 pipeline.

“In our view, a framework agreement is always sensible and indeed necessary to ensure that
transparent conditions are in place for all parties involved. In addition to the financial
compensation arrangements, it is also particularly important to us that the soil science support during construction is
is clearly defined within the framework agreement,” explain Lambert Hurink and Hendrik Gelsmann-
Kaspers, managing directors of VEL.

In November 2026, Thyssengas plans to hold information events for the affected
property owners and occupiers in the Lower Saxony pipeline section. At these events, the
framework agreement will be presented in collaboration with VEL, and information will be provided on the next steps regarding
acquisition of rights. The events will also offer those affected the opportunity to
clarify any outstanding questions directly with the project team.

About the project
With the construction of a new hydrogen pipeline approximately 100 kilometres long between Emsbüren and
Dorsten, Thyssengas (the project developer) and OGE are creating a direct link between
planned core hydrogen network projects in the Emsland and the Ruhr region. The pipeline forms part
the North-South Corridor, via which hydrogen from the North Sea coast and the Netherlands
towards the Ruhr region. The project thus strengthens the
supply prospects for industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and local authorities, and contributes to the
development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. Thyssengas is currently preparing the
documentation for the planning approval procedures in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony
. The applications are due to be submitted in early 2027.

Further information on the project can be found at h2-emsbueren-dorsten.de.

To the press release