The first kilometers of H2 pipeline approved in Bavaria

12.09.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The first five percent of the 300-kilometre hydrogen pipeline network in Bavaria has been approved. Everyone is talking about a milestone.

The very first step will soon be taken in what will one day cover around 300 kilometers. The hydrogen pipeline network in Bavaria will begin with a 15-kilometer section in the southeast on the border with Austria. The government of the district of Upper Bavaria has given its approval.

This has now been announced by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. Department head Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) considers the planning approval for the transmission system operator Bayernets to be a "milestone" for the development of the hydrogen infrastructure. Bayernets Managing Director Matthias Jenn also sees this as an "important milestone" for the implementation of the transformation plans for supra-regional gas and hydrogen transportation.

The first section is essentially a conversion of existing pipelines for H2 transport. The 15 kilometers of pipeline near the border with Austria run under the name "HyPipe one" and are one twentieth of the Bavarian hydrogen network, which will ultimately cover around 300 kilometers. This in turn bears the title "HyPipe Bavaria - The Hydrogen Hub" and aims to guarantee the - also international - connection of industrial regions such as the chemical triangle or Ingolstadt.

The entire network should be completed by the early 2030s. "The faster we build an efficient hydrogen transport infrastructure in Bavaria, the better it will be for our economy and our energy supply," said Aiwanger according to the press release. According to the minister, the conversion of the pipelines, which has now been approved, should begin this year.

Author: Volker Stephan