Kernnetz project

The Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), the Federal Network Agency, approved the hydrogen backbone network set up by the transportation network operators, which will consist of 9,040 kilometres of pipelines by 2032 to support its energy transition. About 60% of pipelines will be converted from gas to hydrogen; 40% of pipelines will be newly built. The first pipelines will be commissioned next year, with full commissioning planned for 2032.

Investment costs for this network are estimated at €18.9 billion.

The hydrogen backbone network will link regional and local hydrogen clusters across Germany and will take into account connections with neighbouring countries. Germany will need to import between 50% and 70% of its hydrogen requirements.
 

By 2032, the network's power supply is expected to reach 101 gigawatts, making it the largest and most efficient hydrogen infrastructure in the world.

Hydrogen is considered as crucial to the decarbonisation of industry and energy production, particularly following the phasing out of nuclear power in 2023 and the gradual reduction in the use of coal between 2030 and 2038.

GRTgaz Deutschland is involved in 3 key projects:

• The conversion of one of the 2 MEGAL pipelines by 2032 for a budget of €349 million
• The construction of a new pipeline between Rothenstadt and Forchheim for a total cost of €363 million
• The construction of a new 10-MW compressor station in Seyweiler, close to the French border, for a budget of €109 million.

Key figures

€821 million of investment for the assets of GRTgaz Deutschland and its partner OGE, i.e., 4% of the total budget.