The transmission system operator (TSO) Gascade is planning to build a hydrogen pipeline between Rostock and Lubmin. The pipeline, which is scheduled for completion by 2028, will transport green hydrogen from the HyTech harbour in Rostock to the surrounding consumption regions. Gascade and rostock EnergyPort cooperation GmbH (Repco) have signed a letter of intent to this effect.
According to Gascade, the hydrogen pipeline will have a length of around 120 kilometres and connect the 100 MW HyTechHafen Rostock hydrogen project in Wrangelsburg near Lubmin with the planned hydrogen core network. Gascade announced on Friday (15 March) that the pipeline should be operational by 2028.
The hydrogen from Rostock could then be transported from Lubmin to important consumption regions using the Flow - making hydrogen happen pipeline infrastructure planned by Gascade and other TSOs. Gascade mentioned the greater Berlin/Brandenburg area and the Halle/Leipzig/Leuna chemical site in particular.
The regions around Rostock and Lubmin offer the "best conditions" for both the production and import of green hydrogen. The new pipeline, together with the pipeline project Flow - making hydrogen happen, is intended to tap into "regional potential in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern".
Gascade connects important hydrogen projects
Ludger Hümbs, Head of Corporate Development at Gascade, explained that the planned connection of the Rostock hydrogen region with the Lubmin site and production there could "make an important contribution to opening up eastern German conurbations for hydrogen". The prerequisite is that the hydrogen can be transported cost-effectively from there to centres of consumption.
Repco CEO Ralf Tschulik emphasised that this "integrative approach" is the right way "to address the challenges associated with the energy transition". The cooperation of hydrogen projects in the Baltic Sea coastal region would make it possible to establish a "hydrogen hub" in north-east Germany.
Several companies are planning large production capacities for green hydrogen in Lubmin. In addition to Lhyfe and Apex, this includes the Hamburg-based company HH2E, whose pipeline connection Gascade also wants to take over.
