Study - 1.100 kilometer long hydrogen network for Middle Germany
To meet the future demand for green hydrogen, a roughly 1,100 kilometer long regional distribution network is necessary in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. According to the study "Hydrogen Network Middle Germany 2.0" presented in Leipzig, the demand for the climate-friendly energy carrier in Middle Germany will significantly increase by 2040. The study was commissioned by 54 private industry partners in the region, including the European Metropolitan Region Middle Germany.
According to predictions, the demand will reach up to 39 Terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030 and up to 88 TWh by 2040. In particular, the industry and energy sectors are expected to play a central role. The study also attributes high potential to the region for green hydrogen production. For the year 2030, an electrolysis capacity of 2.9 to 3.7 Gigawatts (GW) is expected, which should increase to 7.1 to 11.0 GW by 2040. This should be made possible through the expansion of renewable energies such as wind and photovoltaic power plants.
Billions of euros in hydrogen infrastructure investment
The hydrogen network is expected to consist of 42 pipeline sections and should be implemented in phases up to 2045. Approximately 51% of the pipeline should be realized through the conversion of existing natural gas pipelines, which significantly reduces costs and planning periods. The costs are estimated at around one billion Euros, which represents a saving of 41% or 720 million Euros compared to a completely new build. However, the final financing of the distribution network is not yet clear. So far, the federal government plans to finance only the core network - or in the words of Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) "the motorways of the hydrogen networks" - itself.
"Middle Germany is H2-ready"
"With the study, we have identified sources and sinks for green hydrogen in the region to an unprecedented extent and quality, and we have presented a very concrete and realistic grid planning for the Middle German hydrogen distribution network," says the Managing Director of the European Metropolitan Region Middle Germany, Jörn-Heinrich Tobaben. Middle Germany is "H2-ready."
The transmission network operators presented plans for building the hydrogen core network in Germany to the Federal Government on Tuesday. The Federal Network Agency must now approve the plans.
- The hydrogen network expansion in Central Germany, covering regions like Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, will primarily focus on areas with high potential for green hydrogen production.
- According to the study, several companies from the private sector in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia have shown interest in contributing to the development of the regional hydrogen network.
- The hydrogen network in Middle Germany, which includes Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for green hydrogen in the energy sector by 2040.
- Leipzig, being a key city in Middle Germany, has been selected as a significant location for presenting studies and initiatives related to the development of the hydrogen network in Central Germany.
