Transformation of the grids planned further

26.03.2026

Source: E & M powernews

The "H2vorOrt" initiative has presented the new version of the Gas Grid Transformation Plan (GTP). Since 2020, the industry has been planning the conversion of gas grids for hydrogen transportation.

Since 2020, the H2vorOrt initiative has been driving forward industry-wide planning for the transformation of German gas distribution grids towards climate neutrality. Since the first presentation of the Gas Grid Transformation Plan (GTP) in 2022, participation in the associated process has grown significantly, it noted on March 25.

In recent years, the process has covered around 450,000 kilometers and thus around 80 percent of Germany's gas distribution network kilometers. According to the initiative, the GTP has been continuously developed. The task now is to bring it into line with the upcoming legal requirements.

In 2024, the European Parliament created the official framework for a transformation planning and approval process for gas and hydrogen distribution networks with Articles 56 and 57 of the EU Internal Gas Market Directive 2024/1788. It must be transposed into German law by August 2026, H2 reminds locally. A corresponding draft bill for the amendment of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) has now been submitted and provides for the introduction of this process under the name Distribution Network Development Plan (VNEP).

Setting the course for the future

In light of current developments, it is time to merge the internal planning processes of the GTP with the new legal requirements of the VNEP. "In the GTP 2025, the requirements from the EU Directive have already been largely integrated into the industry planning and the GTP's forecasting methodology has also been aligned with the processes of the Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Plan in accordance with the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) via the so-called long-term forecast," writes the initiative.
The next step in the transformation process will be the submission of the first VNEPs and guidelines for the preparation of the VNEP. This is scheduled for next year as part of the GTP process. The first transformation plans of some distribution system operators will be submitted to the regulatory authorities in 2026. "However, many others will not be able to implement this step until the next possible date in the grid development plan cycle in 2028 or later," said H2 on site.

Guidelines are being developed

The initiative has therefore started to develop a guideline for the creation of a VNEP to help with this. It covers all three possible development paths within the framework of a VNEP: the construction of new hydrogen distribution grid pipelines, the rededication of existing gas distribution grid pipelines for hydrogen or the decommissioning of gas pipelines.

If the final legal text permits, the guidelines will also take into account the possibility of joint regional planning by several companies. In addition to the specific approval issues of the VNEPs, it also covers the strategic transformation planning of distribution system operators - including the prospective supply of climate-neutral methane such as biomethane.

As the legislative process has not yet been completed and key issues - including financing - remain unresolved, it is currently not possible to estimate when the VNEP guidelines will be finalized. Due to the changed structure, in contrast to previous years, there will be no feedback from grid operators to H2 on site in 2026 for the preparation of an industry report. The initiative recommends that all companies that have not yet participated in the GTP process carry out internal planning based on the existing guidelines.

The ball is in the politicians' court

On behalf of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW), Chairman of the Board Gerald Linke said: "Network planning and technology are inextricably linked - which is why the GTP is consistently anchored in the DVGW regulations". From the perspective of municipal companies, VKU Managing Director Ingbert Liebing reported: "The future of gas networks and the switch to climate-neutral gases are key issues for municipal companies and their customers, citizens and industry."

Climate-neutral gases will play a role in many municipalities in the future, for example for power generation, heating networks or industrial applications. At the same time, other municipalities are planning to partially or completely shut down gas distribution networks. "The construction of new hydrogen pipelines, the transformation and decommissioning of existing networks must be regulated by law," Liebing demanded of politicians. It is good that the industry has taken the lead with planning.

The 2025 results report on the gas network transformation plan is available online.

Author: Susanne Harmsen