Ferngas Netzgesellschaft, in collaboration with other German transmission system operators (TSOs), presented an updated plan for a hydrogen core network on July 12, 2023. Currently, the TSO is working with its customers on solutions for connecting to this core network.
The steel plant in Thuringia reports long-standing efforts to decarbonize its production. The plant already uses exclusively renewable energy for its "Green Steel" manufacturing. To further advance decarbonization, the company has decided to source hydrogen through the network in the future. Alexander Stolze, Head of Purchasing and Authorized Signatory of Stahlwerk Thüringen GmbH, describes the planned connection to the hydrogen network as significant progress.
Gradual Transition to Hydrogen
A gradual substitution of currently used natural gas with hydrogen is planned. Initially, hydrogen is set to replace more than 50% of the previous natural gas volume, with the aim of continuous increase. This requires technical adaptations of the facilities for operation with a natural gas-hydrogen mixture.
For hydrogen transport to the steel plant, Ferngas Netzgesellschaft plans, among other things, to convert an existing natural gas pipeline, approximately 70 kilometers long, from Erfurt to Unterwellenborn. In addition to the necessary permits and proof of H2 operational capability, Ferngas also needs the appropriate regulatory framework for operating hydrogen pipelines.
Kevin George Greiling, Head of Network Economy at Ferngas, emphasizes the urgency of swift implementation of the hydrogen core network by the legislator. This is a prerequisite for connecting the steel plant and the entire region to the hydrogen infrastructure.
The project is supported by the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs. State Secretary for Economic Affairs Carsten Feller welcomes the cooperation and emphasizes the importance of connecting the energy-intensive steel plant in Unterwellenborn to the planned hydrogen core network. The state of Thuringia assures that it will create the necessary framework conditions for the hydrogen connection of the steel plant."
