The German state of Hesse has unveiled ambitious plans for a 280-kilometer hydrogen network, a crucial step towards achieving the region's and the nation's climate goals. The project, estimated to cost up to €300 million ($311 million), will connect Hesse to Germany's burgeoning national hydrogen transport infrastructure, paving the way for a robust green hydrogen economy.

The network will link to national hydrogen routes via the H2ercules, Flow, and Werne-Eisenach Line pipelines. Recognizing the need for comprehensive regional distribution, the Hessian Ministry for Economy and Energy has emphasized that additional pipelines will be necessary to ensure hydrogen reaches all corners of the state. This localized distribution is critical for maximizing the impact of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

A collaborative effort involving 15 regional gas network operators, potentially including industry giants like Open Grid Europe (OGE) and Terranets bw GmbH, has laid the groundwork for this initiative. These operators conducted extensive feasibility studies, focusing on the development of a hydrogen network in Northern and Central Hesse. The studies have outlined a prospective pipeline corridor stretching from Lahntal to the Kassel area, incorporating both newly constructed sections and repurposed existing gas pipelines. This strategic approach leverages existing infrastructure where possible, minimizing disruption and cost.

The research has highlighted the significant potential demand for green hydrogen within Hesse's industrial sector, estimating a need of between 8.5TWh and 9TWh annually between 2032 and 2035. This substantial demand underscores the importance of establishing a reliable and efficient hydrogen supply network.

This regional initiative aligns with Germany's broader national hydrogen strategy, which aims to establish a 9,040-kilometer ‘Wasserstoff-Kernnetz’ (hydrogen core network). This nationwide network, recently approved by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), will boast a feed-in capacity of 101GW and a feed-out capacity of 87GW, connecting import terminals to industrial hubs across the country. Hesse's proposed network will seamlessly integrate with this national infrastructure, creating a cohesive and interconnected hydrogen ecosystem.

The German government views the Wasserstoff-Kernnetz as a crucial component of its energy transition, ensuring security for hydrogen producers, power plant and storage facility operators, and future industrial users.

Kaweh Mansoori, Hessian Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, expressed his support for the project, stating, "The study at hand outlines how hydrogen supply in Northern and Central Hesse can be secured through a distribution network." He further added, "I welcome the commitment to a Hessian hydrogen economy and thank the participating network operators for their involvement in the feasibility study."