Federal Network Agency approves hydrogen core network
9040 kilometers of pipelines to transport hydrogen can now be built or retrofitted.
Before a natural gas pipeline can be used for hydrogen, it must be checked and cleaned, as shown in this computer graphic by a cleaning pig.
(Image: FNB-Gas)
The Federal Network Agency has approved the hydrogen core network proposed by the transmission system operators (TSOs). The network contains a total of 9040 kilometers of pipelines, which are to be gradually put into operation by 2032. Of these, around 60 percent are to be converted from gas to hydrogen and 40 percent are to be newly built. The feed-in and feed-out capacities are expected to be around 100 GW and 87 GW respectively. The expected investment costs amount to 18.9 billion euros.
(Image:Â FNB-Gas)
The TSOs submitted their application for the hydrogen core network to the Federal Network Agency in July of this year. The authority approved the project following a consultation with minor adjustments, as detailed in a press release. For example, it only approved lines that were necessary for the transportation task of the hydrogen core network. In July, the total length of the network was still 9666 km.
Central project of the energy transition
For the German government, the grid is a central infrastructure project of the energy transition. The core grid is primarily intended to connect large industrial centers such as the steel and chemical industries, storage facilities, power plants and import corridors. Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) emphasized that the development of the infrastructure of the future can now begin.
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"With the approved hydrogen core network, the network operators can now gradually build and operate the infrastructure for hydrogen," said Federal Network Agency President Klaus MĂĽller. The first lines will be converted from next year. The transmission system operators presented initial plans for the core network in July 2023. At that time, it still comprised 11,200 km.
The Federal Network Agency will now set the ramp-up fee. Regulations also still need to be drawn up for a market model for hydrogen, including the marketing of transport capacities, the TSOs explain. In addition, the future market roles, such as storage, have not yet been clarified.
(anw)
