Source: Bild der Wissenschaft 06/2025, “Wasserstoff im Rohr” by Katja Maria Engel
Germany is moving forward with a key step in its energy transition: transforming existing natural gas pipelines into a backbone for transporting green hydrogen. According to plans approved by the Federal Network Agency in October 2024, a new 9,040-kilometre hydrogen core network will connect ports, storage facilities, power plants, and industrial centres. Around 56 percent of this network will rely on repurposed natural gas pipelines, while 44 percent will consist of newly built infrastructure.
Early concerns that hydrogen could cause steel pipes to become brittle and crack have been addressed through extensive testing. Operators like Open Grid Europe and Thyssengas, supported by research from the Technical University of Cologne and the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGM), have demonstrated that existing pipelines can safely transport pure hydrogen. However, components such as valves, seals, and compressors must be individually assessed for hydrogen compatibility, with some requiring replacement.
Pilot projects are already underway. In Holzwickede, near Dortmund, Westnetz has been operating a test field since 2022, successfully running local pipelines with 100 percent hydrogen to supply heating for industrial customers. Safety remains a priority: the hydrogen is odourised with tetrahydrothiophene (THT) to make leaks detectable, and new monitoring technologies are being developed.
Challenges remain, especially in adapting regional distribution networks where documentation of existing infrastructure is often incomplete. Additionally, using pipelines as storage under fluctuating pressures may require multilayered pipe designs to prevent material fatigue.
The first segments of Germany’s hydrogen network are set to enter operation in 2025 and 2026, supporting industrial defossilisation in sectors such as steel, chemicals, and glass. By 2029, larger initiatives like the HydroNet project in the Sauerland region aim to replace fossil fuels with hydrogen across entire communities.
Germany’s experience highlights both the opportunities and technical complexities of integrating hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure—insights that are valuable for similar efforts in Switzerland and across Europe.
The original article in German contains interesting further details. Highly recommended for those who want to get an overview.
At this point do not miss two related events supported by SPIN:
9 September 2025: Power-to-Gas Kongress Schweiz
6 November 2025: Trinationales Wasserstoff-Forum