How the expansion can succeed

Berlin Future technology without tailwind: There have been hardly any investments in German hydrogen networks so far. The network operators are reluctant to invest money and potential network customers are afraid of high network charges. There are already plans on paper for expanding the hydrogen network. The association of long-distance gas pipeline operators, FNB Gas, presented its plans for a “visionary hydrogen network” in January 2020 – with a total length of up to 5900 kilometers, 90 percent of which consisted of repurposed natural gas pipelines.

But that’s still theory. The operators of the gas networks criticize that the state network regulation prevents the construction of a pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen. The regulation for hydrogen networks decided by the grand coalition provides that only the customers of the hydrogen networks finance the expansion and operation of the lines through their network fees.