Plans for Germany's hydrogen “core grid” take decisive step
Germany’s gas transmission system operators have submitted a joint application for a planned hydrogen core network to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA). Due to be completed by 2032, the planned network would connect the focal points of hydrogen production, consumption, storage and import. Over the next two months, BNetzA will examine, publicly consult on and approve the applications. “We will take a close look at the application and check whether it meets the legal requirements,” BNetzA head Klaus Müller said. “On approval from the Federal Network Agency, the construction of the hydrogen core network begins.”
A total of 9,666 kilometres of lines are included in the plan, with some having the status of Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and therefore receiving special funding from the federal and state governments. Around 60 percent are existing lines currently used to transport gas. The investment costs amount to € 19.7 billion, said the grid operators. “Today’s core network application is a decisive step towards building hydrogen infrastructure,” said Robert Habeck, the economy and climate minister.
All federal states will be connected to the network to create regional balance, and it will also be integrated into the EU’s hydrogen infrastructure. Regulations for financing the core network were approved by the European Commission on 21 June, with the private sector expected to pay for the lines through user fees. The core network is a basis for hydrogen infrastructure, with more expansions expected in the future. The first line is expected to start operation next year. “Hydrogen is an essential building block for a climate-neutral energy supply and for the future of Germany as a business location,” Kerstin Andreae, chair of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), said. “The hydrogen ramp-up can only be successful with a well-developed network.”
Southwestern German states expressed concerns yesterday that they won’t be included to a sufficient extent in the hydrogen core network. A government advisory body had previously criticised the slow rollout of hydrogen in Germany, claiming the delay was a risk to climate goals. The government itself has drafted a law called the Hydrogen Acceleration Act to speed up the construction of hydrogen infrastructure. Hydrogen made from renewable electricity is seen as crucial to decarbonise certain industry processes and for large-scale renewable power storage, thus helping to make the economy climate-neutral.
