Around 60% of the 9,040 kilometre network will be created by converting existing gas pipelines. 40 % of the pipelines will be newly built. The core network connects important industrial centres, ports and energy generation sites and enables close links with our European neighbours. In addition to the 15 transmission system operators, 10 distribution system operators are also involved in the core network.
FNB Gas: Core network authorisation: Green light for Europe's largest hydrogen network
A milestone for the energy transition: The Federal Network Agency today approved the construction of the Germany-wide hydrogen core network. With an investment volume of 18.9 billion euros, Europe's largest hydrogen network will be created by 2032, making it an important pillar of the climate-neutral energy system of the future.
Barbara Fischer, Managing Director FNB Gas e.V.:
"This is a groundbreaking decision: Germany is at the forefront of hydrogen infrastructure expansion in Europe. The approval is very good news because it gives potential producers, buyers and traders of hydrogen planning security."
Dr Thomas Gößmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of FNB Gas e.V.:
"With the hydrogen core network, we are laying the foundation for a new energy system. It offers a historic opportunity for Germany to position itself as a pioneer in the hydrogen economy. In doing so, we are taking the lead as transmission system operators and laying the foundations for a climate-neutral industry and energy supply. The development of the H2 market is now a joint task: all players are required to actively drive forward the ramp-up.
Especially in the current economic situation, this requires favourable framework conditions to trigger private investment along the entire H2 value chain."
The most important key points at a glance:
Largest hydrogen network in Europe: 9,040 kilometres long, 18.9 billion euros investment
Rapid realisation: first hydrogen volumes to be transported as early as next year
Climate neutrality: potential for transporting 278 TWh of climate-neutral hydrogen to decarbonise industry and beyond
Planning security: investments in the hydrogen economy have a reliable basis
Over the past 19 months, politicians, the Federal Network Agency and network operators have worked together to lay the foundations for the hydrogen core network. Hydrogen is the only option for decarbonisation for key German industries such as the steel and chemical industries; it also represents an important flexibility option for the electricity supply and can be used in the heating and transport sectors.
About FNB Gas:
The Vereinigung der Fernleitungsnetzbetreiber Gas e.V. (FNB Gas), based in Berlin, is the association of German transmission system operators, i.e. the large supra-regional gas transport companies, founded in 2012. The association focuses on network development planning for gas and hydrogen at the transport level. The association is also the point of contact for politicians, the media and the public. In recent months, FNB Gas has actively supported the core network process.
The members of the association are bayernets GmbH, Ferngas Netzgesellschaft mbH, Fluxys TENP GmbH, GASCADE Gastransport GmbH, Gastransport Nord GmbH, Gasunie Deutschland Transport Services GmbH, GRTgaz Deutschland GmbH, Nowega GmbH, ONTRAS Gastransport GmbH, Open Grid Europe GmbH, terranets bw GmbH and Thyssengas GmbH. Together they operate a pipeline network of around 40,000 kilometres.
Press contact:
Association of Transmission System Operators Gas e.V.
Georgenstraße 23
10117 Berlin
Tel: +49 (30) 9210 2350
Fax: +49 (30) 9210 23543
info@fnb-gas.de
www.fnb-gas.de
