Augsburg relies on hydrogen: Large pipeline project from 2030!

Augsburg relies on hydrogen: Large pipeline project from 2030!

The expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure in Germany is taking on more and more concrete forms. Augsburg could be docked to the nationwide hydrogen supply core network from 2030, a project consortium called “H2Nordlech” has started the planning phase, reports Augsburger Allgemeine. An important step towards a sustainable energy supply is being taken with a planned 29-kilometer line that will run from the compressor station near Wertingen via Meitingen to Augsburg.

The network operators involved, including “schwaben netz” and Stadtwerke Augsburg, not only want to use this high-pressure line to secure the industrial supply of hydrogen, but also to send a signal to suppliers and customers in the industry. “Hydrogen is a driver of innovation,” they are convinced, and so the connection to the hydrogen network is viewed as a crucial component of climate-neutral district heating generation.

Hydrogen as part of the energy future

The topic of hydrogen is of central importance for the next few years. Germany has a need for a well-thought-out hydrogen infrastructure, which is essential for an efficient, safe and affordable energy supply. According to the Hydrogen Network 2030 plans, a comprehensive network will be necessary to meet the increasing demand of 71 TWh of hydrogen FNB gas presented in detail.

The new H2 network 2030 is also intended to act as a link between renewables and industry. It is expected to include 5,100 kilometers of transmission pipelines, of which approximately 3,700 kilometers will be based on converted gas pipelines. The investment expenditure is estimated at around 6 billion euros. The hydrogen infrastructure could not only serve as a replacement for natural gas in private households, but also become a key player in industry.

Hydrogen storage and import dependency

As part of the future hydrogen core network, which is intended to cover the large CHP sites with at least 100 MW of electrical output, the role of hydrogen storage is becoming increasingly important. These serve to ensure flexibility and security of supply. In this context, imported hydrogen quantities must also be taken into account, which are estimated to be 50 to 70% of demand in 2030. This means that Germany not only needs to be able to produce hydrogen itself, but also needs to pay close attention to international supply chains.

The outlook for 2030 shows that a well-functioning hydrogen infrastructure is not only a necessity, but also represents an opportunity for innovative business models. Stadtwerke Augsburg and other companies face the challenge and the opportunity to be part of this green transition. In the near future, hydrogen could not only become an ally in the fight against climate change, but also an engine for economic growth.

Planned projects, such as the “H2Nordlech” hydrogen pipeline, are driving this change and signaling that we are on the right path. The next stage of the planning is eagerly awaited, not only in Augsburg, but nationwide.