Hydrogen future in North Hesse: New infrastructure planned!

Hydrogen future in North Hesse: New infrastructure planned!

On April 3, 2025, the publication of a feasibility study to set up a hydrogen infrastructure in North and Middle Hesse was announced. This study received a positive response from energy suppliers such as the EAM and business representatives, including the IHK Kassel-Marburg. The IHK calls for a connection to the region to the hydrogen kernel network and to the distribution networks to advance the development.

A central project In this strategy is the possible reconciliation of the natural gas line Reckrod-Lampertheim to a hydrogen line by 2028, which runs under the project name Flow. In addition, the main line Eisenach-Werne could be rebuilt by 2032, which runs through northern Hesse. Another relevant project is to rededicate the natural gas pipe Rhein-Main-Link by 2032 under the H2Recules project, with a branch to Kassel. These projects could be crucial for regional hydrogen supply.

market and customer

The main buyers of hydrogen are industrial companies that require high process heat, especially in metal processing, chemistry and mechanical engineering. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is less suitable for residential buildings, since heat pumps are more efficient in this context. The high natural gas consumption in the districts of Hersfeld-Rotenburg and Fulda makes hydrogen use particularly interesting in these areas.

Hydrogen production could also take place locally in Wolfhagen and Stadtallendorf. Investments in the hydrogen infrastructure should mainly be made by private investors. The existing natural gas network can also serve as the basis for the new hydrogen network, which would significantly reduce investment costs.

economic and political framework conditions

Investors are already in advance, while hydrogen prices are forecast that can decrease while natural gas prices are expected to increase. A central goal of those responsible is to integrate both the federal government and the state of Hesse in the support of the market high run of hydrogen.

The hydrogen infrastructure will be implemented for years, with a complete end of the measures by 2037. Energy production by hydrogen is to be carried out by electrolysis, whereby large systems are required. At the parliamentary North Hesse evening on March 18, 220 representatives from politics, business and science discussed these topics, which underlines the relevance and urgency of the hydrogen initiative.

The need for hydrogen will not only grow in industry, but also in other areas of the economy. For example, large applications in the steel industry and basic material chemistry are still necessary. In addition, liquid or gaseous energy sources in areas such as aviation and shipping could be indispensable, where batteries are not sufficient. At the moment, however, Germany is still far from the target brands for the use of hydrogen, which signals additional need for action.

In this context, it is important to carefully weigh the use of hydrogen in not mandatory areas in order not to unnecessarily increase potential challenges. hna and Economy Hessen extensively report the developments. Additional insights into the importance of electrical energy and its benefits provides mdr .