Thyssengas Drives the Energy Transition: 1,100 Kilometers of Hydrogen Pipelines for North Rhine-Westphalia

Where natural gas flows today, hydrogen and other green gases will soon be transported—this is the primary goal of Dortmund-based transmission system operator Thyssengas. With the confirmation of the hydrogen core network by the Federal Network Agency on October 22, 2024, Thyssengas has taken a crucial step towards this goal: the official green light for implementing the planned hydrogen pipelines has been given. The Thyssengas portion of the H2 core network covers a total of around 1,100 kilometers of pipeline.

“The confirmation of the hydrogen core network is a milestone for Thyssengas and all actors along the H2 value chain,” said Dr. Thomas Gößmann, Chairman of the Management Board of Thyssengas GmbH. “This marks the start of implementing a nationwide H2 transport infrastructure, including the H2 pipelines provided by Thyssengas.” Dr. Gößmann further highlighted that the modeling of the hydrogen core network, as well as the establishment of necessary regulatory and financial frameworks, was achieved in a record time of just 18 months.

H2 Supply Prospects for North Rhine-Westphalia

Thyssengas plans to carry out approximately 35 new construction and conversion projects as part of the H2 core network, totaling around 1,100 kilometers of pipeline. The planning aims to connect both major industrial centers and SMEs in the Münsterland, Ruhr, and Rhineland regions to the hydrogen highways. This H2 core network establishes the basis for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and the green transformation of the regional economy.

“Our most time-sensitive H2 projects are now moving into realization, meaning the necessary planning and approval procedures,” explained Dr. Gößmann. For projects with a planned commissioning date further in the future and still needing a defined implementation path, Thyssengas continues to work closely with potential H2 customers, policymakers, and authorities. The goal is to make these projects market-ready together through the ongoing network development process.

Key Factors for Hydrogen Ramp-Up

Dr. Arne Dammer, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Thyssengas, remains optimistic about the hydrogen market's further development despite many open questions.

“We are currently transforming our energy system and shaping an entirely new hydrogen energy market. As such, it’s normal to face uncertainties regarding the specific configuration of this transformation. Therefore, we must proceed step by step, and all stakeholders must be ready to actively shape this phase,” Dr. Dammer noted.

From his perspective, three main factors are crucial for driving the hydrogen ramp-up:

1. Commitment: The previously non-binding declarations of intent from industry regarding future hydrogen demand must be promptly converted into binding contracts.
2. Future-Oriented Network Planning: While preparing for the core network’s construction, future network connections should already be factored in to allow efficient and seamless connection of regional hydrogen customers without major adjustments.
3. Extending the H2 Core Network to Wider Areas: It's essential to consider the broader distribution of hydrogen from the core network into surrounding areas. For this, close collaboration with local distribution network operators is essential.

Dr. Thomas Gößmann appeals to policymakers, authorities, and industry on the occasion of the confirmation of the H2 core network to continue viewing the establishment of a hydrogen network and market as a collective task. “As transmission system operators, we can provide the transport infrastructure, but the ramp-up can only be achieved together. We are at the beginning of the green transformation of our gas supply—this is a marathon, not a sprint.” Both network development and market growth still require political support, courage, pragmatism, and cooperation among all parties. This is especially pertinent given the upcoming elections and a new federal government. Hydrogen is a widely accepted political priority, and there should be no disruption in momentum for the sake of economic competitiveness. Under changing political conditions, Thyssengas will do everything possible to make hydrogen a success story in Germany and thus drive the energy transition forward significantly.