Press release , Oct 22, 2024

Approval of the core grid: Important milestone for the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy

The Federal Network Agency has approved the hydrogen core grid proposed by the transmission system operators. The network contains a total of 9,040 kilometres of pipelines, which are to gradually go into operation over the next 8 years. Around 60 percent of the pipelines are to be created by converting current gas pipelines, while 40 percent will be newly built. The core network will connect the future hydrogen clusters throughout Germany. According to Dr Timm Kehler, CEO of the industry association Zukunft Gas, the approval is an important step in the development of a Germany-wide hydrogen network:

‘The Federal Network Agency's approval for the hydrogen core network is an important milestone and gives the transmission system operators the clarity they need to now start converting and building new pipelines. We expressly welcome the fact that the Federal Network Agency has swiftly approved the transmission system operators' application and that the operational implementation of the core network can therefore begin next year as planned. However, in order to lead Germany decisively towards a hydrogen country, the next step must also be to connect the distribution grid. The necessary clarity is still lacking here, as is the signal from politicians that SMEs and decentralised electricity generation will be supplied with climate-neutral energy in the future. The gas distribution grids not only supply around 20 million households, but also around 1.8 million SMEs and the manufacturing industry. The gas distribution grids also play a central role in the local and district heating supply, which will in future be provided by CHP plants using hydrogen, its derivatives or biomethane.’

About DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

As the voice of the gas and hydrogen industry, the association DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. pools the interests of its members and is committed to utilising the potential of hydrogen and its derivatives as well as biogas and natural gas, including the associated infrastructure. The industry association also provides information on the opportunities offered by gaseous energy sources and their infrastructure in a climate-neutral and resilient energy system and drives the industry's transition to new gases. It is supported by leading companies in the energy industry and covers the entire value chain from production, transport and distribution to trading, sales and applications. Other industry associations and industrial companies support DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. as partners.

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