Germany presents H2 core network plan, eyes 2045 climate neutrality

Germany’s core network for hydrogen fuel will extend over 9,700 km (6,000 miles) and cost around 20 billion euros ($21 billion) by 2032, the chairman of transmission system operator FNB Gas said on Tuesday, as Berlin bets on the fuel for decarbonisation.

Existing natural gas pipelines will make up 60% of the network, connecting ports, industry, storage facilities and power plants, FNB Gas Chairman Thomas Goessmann told a news conference presenting the network’s plans with Economy Minister Robert Habeck. The project will be privately financed.

Germany is seeking to expand reliance on hydrogen as a future energy source to cut greenhouse emissions for highly polluting industrial sectors that cannot be electrified, such as steel and chemicals, and cut dependency on imported fossil fuel.

In July, the German cabinet approved a new hydrogen strategy, setting guidelines for hydrogen production, transport infrastructure and market plans.

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