The first 400 kilometers of the hydrogen core network are complete

12.12.2025

Source: E & M powernews

Gascade Gastransport has successfully converted the first 400 kilometers of existing natural gas pipelines for the German hydrogen core network to transport hydrogen.

On December 11, the Kassel-based transmission system operator Gascade Gastransport GmbH announced the completion of the first section of the future German hydrogen core network. According to the company, the first 400 kilometers of former natural gas pipelines are now ready for the transport of hydrogen. The project is called "Flow - making hydrogen happen".

The initial filling of the first pipeline sections has created a north-south axis from the Baltic Sea region to Saxony-Anhalt, which forms a central part of the German hydrogen core network. According to Gascade, the hydrogen infrastructure is available to the market immediately and thus forms the basis for a successful hydrogen ramp-up.

This proves how existing infrastructure can be made available for hydrogen transportation quickly and cost-effectively. Gascade is creating planning security for the hydrogen ramp-up and making a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in German industry, explained Managing Director Ulrich Benterbusch.

"The conversion of existing natural gas pipelines with a diameter of 1.4 meters to hydrogen is a pioneering technical achievement," said Benterbusch. He hopes that the project sends out a strong signal for the German hydrogen economy and for eastern Germany as an industrial location.

Managing Director Christoph von dem Bussche emphasized the European perspective of the pipeline, which could accommodate international hydrogen imports via the port of Rostock as well as green hydrogen produced on the Baltic coast. "We are thinking about networking with our European neighbors right from the start," he assured.

According to the core network planning, the part of "Flow - making hydrogen happen" that is now operational is the first step towards a further connection of the industrial centers in southern Germany by 2029. As part of the program, lines to Poland, the Czech Republic and also towards Bavaria and Austria will also be converted or newly built.

Information on the "Flow - making hydrogen happen" project is available on the Internet.

Author: Susanne Harmsen