Hydrogen kernel network: Industrial ends for the region now begins!

Hydrogen kernel network: Industrial ends for the region now begins!

On March 24, 2025, the Middle Rhine energy networks are actively working on the establishment of a hydrogen supply for industry in the region. As part of an information event, Marc Koopmans from Open Grid Europe (OGE) explained the plans for the development of a hydrogen kernel network. This network is said to act as a "molecule motorway" and be accessible nationwide in order to cover the increased need for hydrogen.

According to a report by WW-Kurier , the hydrogen kernele network is approved by the Federal Network Agency and includes a length of around 9,000 kilometers. The total costs are requesting an investment of 18.9 billion euros, with 60 percent of the lines that were originally designed for natural gas to be converted to hydrogen. The remaining 40 percent of the lines are rebuilt.

important infrastructure measures

particularly highlighted are two important lines that lead through the Westerwald and the Eifel. The commissioning of the lines in the area of ​​Middle Rhine's energy networks is planned for the end of 2032. In addition, import paths for hydrogen are also set up, whereby the first routes are to be laid over the North Sea and the Iberian corridor.

Another aspect of the new network is that industrial companies in the network area can report their hydrogen requirements online. In this regard, however, no information on the effect of investments on energy prices is available.

design and requirements of the hydrogen kernel network

The criteria for the hydrogen kernel network are based on § 28q of the EnWG. A coordination and concretization of these criteria took place between the BMWK, the Federal Network Agency, the Federal Cartell Office, the BMF and other relevant institutions in order to design a robust network that also takes into account capacity shifts. This is reported by Federal Network Agency

In the current network development planning, the input parameters of the hydrogen kernel network will be checked. The aim is to record large CHP locations with an electrical output of at least 100 MW. In addition, electrolysers who are taken into account in different funding programs are to be included in the planning, whereby funding and non-funded electrolyser projects are based on different feed-in services.

clever hydrogen stores will ensure the flexibility and quantity of it in the network and ensure the supply of industrial buyers. So far, 12 memory projects have been included in the modeling, while potential other locations have not been recorded. The import requirement is also taken into account in the scenario of the core network, with an expected import share of 50 to 70 percent being forecast for 2030.

climate goals and future water supply

The meaning of hydrogen as a green energy source is underlined by the need to achieve Germany's climate goals. Fraunhofer Ise emphasizes that hydrogen diverse possible uses as energy storage and strength storage has.

A close network of the sectors of energy industry, traffic and industry is considered consensus. They are model regions in development that are supposed to act as germ cells for a national hydrogen infrastructure. It is important to combine local renewable energy sources with supply chains for imported hydrogen in order to implement a sustainable hydrogen economy.

The comprehensive measures laid an important foundation for the transformation towards a hydrogen economy in Germany that takes into account both economic and ecological aspects.