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Infrastructure

H2 Transport

Construction of the first 9 km hydrogen pipeline by badenovaNetze from Albbruck to Dogern (H2@Hydro) as part of the H2@Hochrhein project in March/April 2025; pipeline laid underground on April 25, 2025 in the presence of Julie Bürkle-Weiss. 
Infrastructure

Badenova: First section of Germany's hydrogen core network in southern Germany installed underground

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The regional energy supplier badenova has begun construction of a hydrogen pipeline in the Upper Rhine region. Through its subsidiary badenovaNetze, the Badenova group is among the first companies to actively contribute to the development of Germany's national hydrogen core network.

Map of the planned core H₂ network in Germany with the planned infrastructure and the connections between generation and consumption regions
H₂ hubs as the key to sustainable and efficient hydrogen mobility

NOW study on hydrogen distribution

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The transport transition is a central component of the German climate protection strategy. As part of this, hydrogen is seen as a key energy source, especially for heavy-duty goods vehicles. But how can hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) be supplied with hydrogen efficiently, sustainably and economically? A joint study by the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) and the German Energy Agency (dena) examines four supply options via a future H₂ pipeline network. In the study, H₂ hubs that act as connecting elements between the emerging H₂ network and the HRSs are of particular importance.

Container-based demonstration unit
Start of series production of container solutions

Hydrogen storage and safe transport

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Transport iron to use hydrogen: The new H2 storage technology of Ambartec AG conveys iron granulates and obtains the hydrogen on site through oxidation. In mid-February 2025, Ambartec, together with Purem by Eberspächer, signed a cooperation agreement (MOU) to prepare a serial production of this iron-nugget hydrogen storage and for its transport in standard 20-foot containers.

Networks

https://shimmerproject.eu
European multi-gas network is launched

The SHIMMER project

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In the EU project SHIMMER, the German institute for materials research and testing BAM is working on a comprehensive knowledge database. There, important information on standards for safe materials and components as well as on the European gas infrastructure is to be made available. SHIMMER will be led by the Norwegian research organization SINTEF. The project brings together twelve European institutions, including national institutes and gas network operators from the countries Spain, Italy, Norway, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Installation of the pig launching station at Ontras' Bad Lauchstädt energy park in November 2023. The pig launching station allows intelligent measuring probes to be inserted into the lines during operation. The grid section is scheduled to go into operation this year.
Gas network operators continue to count on political support

No doubts about the core network

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In October 2024, the German Federal Network Agency approved the plans for the hydrogen core network. Hydrogen is expected to flow through some sections as early as 2025. Despite turbulent times, the network operators remain confident about the new infrastructure.

Avacon has successfully converted small parts of its gas network to hydrogen
"Hydrogen can come, the gas distribution network is ready"

Construction and conversion of the infrastructure for H2 distribution

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There is extensive demand for hydrogen in both municipalities and industry. In this environment, plans for implementing these market requirements are now becoming more concrete. The recent decision to set up an H2 core network (see p. 18) is seen as the initial spark for this. In view of the supply situation, however, it is clear that the focus must increasingly be on the distribution network, which was also made clear at the DVGW Congress.

Storage