Hydrogen Core Network Expansion: Approval Granted for Linking Bremen and Bremerhaven by the Federal Network Agency
Bremen and Bremerhaven, two important regions in Germany's burgeoning hydrogen economy, are set to be connected to the nation's extensive hydrogen backbone network. This development is a significant step towards a climate-neutral industry and is expected to bring strategic economic benefits through energy innovation, increased supply security, and industrial growth in the local economy.
The hydrogen backbone network, spanning 9,040 kilometres, is currently in advanced planning and research stages. Key milestones include ongoing hydrogen research at the Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven, focusing on using hydrogen from wind energy to enhance energy supply security and benefit the local economy.
Infrastructure development for the core hydrogen network in Germany includes Bremen and Bremerhaven, serving heavy-duty vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations. The connection of these hubs to the network will emphasise their importance as connectors between the hydrogen network and refueling infrastructure.
While specific project milestones for Bremen and Bremerhaven are not detailed explicitly, studies on efficient hydrogen supply through pipelines and hydrogen refueling station integration are ongoing. The planned start of hydrogen production operations at other German sites, such as the Black Forest, aims for hydrogen production start as early as 2027, suggesting that infrastructure supporting hydrogen hubs like Bremen and Bremerhaven could be operational around or following this timeline.
The connection of Bremen to the hydrogen backbone network will be via a branch line, with the connection to Bremerhaven expected to be operational by 2027. This connection opens up opportunities for the import of hydrogen via the port city of Bremerhaven. The pipeline connecting Bremerhaven to Elsfleth is expected to be operational by December 2030, marking another crucial step in the transformation towards a climate-neutral industry.
The connection of Bremen and Bremerhaven to the hydrogen backbone network is a part of the larger nationwide investment in the network, totalling 18.9 billion euros. Of this total, 60 percent of the pipelines will be converted from natural gas to hydrogen, and 40 percent will be newly built. The new pipeline connecting Bremen to Bremerhaven is part of the 40 percent of newly built pipelines in the hydrogen backbone network.
Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economy, Ports, and Transformation, emphasises that the connection of Bremen to the hydrogen backbone network sets key switches for sustainable transformation in the state of Bremen. The connection is an important step in accelerating the transformation process towards a climate-neutral industry, particularly for the ArcelorMittal steelworks in Bremen, which will benefit from the decarbonization facilitated by the hydrogen backbone network.
The Federal Network Agency has approved the connection of both Bremen and Bremerhaven to the hydrogen backbone network on October 30th, signalling a significant and far-reaching approval for both Germany as a whole and Bremen in particular. This approval marks a significant milestone in the cities' journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.
The hydrogen backbone network, currently in advanced planning and research stages, will be extended with a new pipeline connecting Bremen to Bremerhaven, leveraging technology to facilitate efficient hydrogen supply and boost the local economy. This connection is part of the nationwide investment in hydrogen technology, a key step towards a climate-neutral industry and a greener, more sustainable future for Bremen and Bremerhaven.
