German TSOs plan hydrogen hub by 2026

German transmission system operators Gascade and Ontras unveiled a plan June 1 to establish a hydrogen hub by 2026 in east Germany, enabling industry in the area to decarbonise their operations.

The pair intends to create a 475-km hydrogen network within five years, linking production and consumption points in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin. Two thirds of the system will be formed from existing gas pipelines that have been converted, while the remaining third will comprise new, dedicated hydrogen pipelines.

The Doing Hydrogen project, as it is known, has made it onto Germany's shortlist for schemes that have applied for funding as Important Projects of Common European Interest. These projects are also in line for more than €8bn ($9.7bn) in state and federal funding.

"Together, we can initiate the rapid establishment of a hydrogen industry in eastern Germany," Gascade's managing director Christophe von dem Bussche said in a statement. "With an initial grid of 475 km, we can swiftly build up large H2 capacities and also expand internationally."

“Different projects and regions provide us with an intensive exchange to be able to exploit synergy potential and pursue links to other infrastructure projects," Ontras' managing director Ralph Bahke added "That means we can effectively interconnect emerging H2 production and consumption centers and hence ensure supply security."