The shift away from natural gas to green gases, spearheaded by hydrogen, is the opportunity of the century - not only for our company, but also for our industry and for achieving the climate targets. That is why, since 2018, we have been focusing intensely on developing the appropriate transmission infrastructure. Hydrogen, as a key element of our transformation, is certainly not a panacea, nevertheless we believe that it will play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult or even impossible to electrify. Following the approval of Germany’s nationwide Hydrogen Core Network by the Federal Network Agency, in October 2024, our vision is now being realised. In the coming years, around 1,100 kilometres of pipeline will be newly constructed or converted by us. Who better to report on this than those who are driving this transformation in our company? On this page you can find examples of how these projects are being implemented. In addition, you can find more information in the section on "Hydrogen".
New organisational structures
For the implementation of our hydrogen projects, we have likewise dared to try something new in terms of organisation. Against the backdrop of increasing complexity, cross-divisional project structures are intended to ensure transparency and clarity about the levels and roles in decision-making. Yet, we understand that we must go beyond merely introducing new structures – we have to breathe life into them, too. One of the ways this can be achieved is through the use of agile coaching, which aims to train employees in agile methodology, build skills, expand the method toolkit and promote an agile culture.
Cross-border hydrogen infrastructure
We acquired a natural gas pipeline from RWE Generation SE for the development of a cross-border hydrogen infrastructure already in January 2023. From 2027 onwards - as part of the "GET H2" initiative - this infrastructure will enable the transport of hydrogen all the way to the Ruhr region. The twelve-kilometre pipeline between Vlieghuis and Kalle will form the first crossing point for the transport of hydrogen between Germany and the Netherlands. Initial preparatory measures for the transport of H2 were started in October 2023.
Hydrogen construction projects on site – an on-site report
"In Rheinberg, by the end of 2027, a H2 pipeline system with an overall length of around seven kilometres will be implemented by us in order to connect the local large industries as well as small and medium-sized businesses to the emergent Core Network. Taking into consideration the upcoming planning approval process for the new section between Wallach and Hohfeld, which is scheduled for 2025, and the conversion of the existing pipeline section between Hohfeld and Ossenberg, which is happening in parallel, I can say with a clear conscience that we are making good progress. The close dialogue with the local population and with policymakers has been particularly helpful in this regard."
2018: The “ELEMENT ONE” pilot project
Launch of the "ELEMENT ONE" pilot project in cooperation with the transmission system operators TenneT and Gasunie Deutschland. The plan being pursued consists in the building of an industrial-scale power-to-gas plant in order to thus convert the electricity from rewable energy sources into green hydrogen.
2019-2021: Hydrogen Initiatives
By joining various hydrogen initiatives - such as, GET H2, Hydrogen Europe and H2morrow steel - Thyssengas reaffirms its ambition to create a hydrogen infrastructure and is seeks dialogue with various stakeholders in the value chain.
2022: Start of the Thyssengas Dialogue
Stakeholders from politics, industry and administration are invited to the first Thyssengas Dialogue to discuss: ”Energy Supply at a Turning point. How can a rapid hydrogen ramp-up be achieved now?" The format proves to be successful and will be repeated for the fourth time in 2025.
2023: Implementation of first H2 projects
Following the acquisition of a natural gas pipeline from RWE Generation, at the start of 2023, Thyssengas begins to develope a cross-border hydrogen infrastructure. The end of 2023 sees the commencement of the initial preparatory measures for converting the pipeline.
2024: EU authorises funding
The EU approves the funding of GET H2 projects and thereby confirms that a Thyssengas project is likewise an "Important Project of Common European interest" (IPCEI). Thyssengas thus receives subsidies totalling around €18.7 million.
2024: Approval of the Core Network
In October 2023, Dr Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, and Dr Thomas Gößmann, Managing Director at Thyssengas, present the plans for the Hydrogen Core Network at a joint press conference. One year later, official approval is granted by the Federal Network Agency - the official go-ahead for the construction of the Network.
2032: Final Completion of the Core Network
The 9,040 kilometre long network - around 60% of which consists of existing gas pipelines that have been converted and 40% of newly constructed ones - is completed on schedule. Around 1,100 kilometres of this pipeline constitute the share that belongs to Thyssengas. The Core Network connects important industrial centres, ports and energy production sites and enables close links with our European neighbours.