The ONTRAS start network for hydrogen
Infrastructure with a future: Development of the ONTRAS H2 start network in eastern and central Germany
The development of a functioning hydrogen economy is fundamental to achieving the climate targets. With our long-distance pipeline network and our expertise, we are actively shaping the future hydrogen infrastructure in eastern Germany.
Pipeline projects of the ONTRAS start network
With the ONTRAS H2 start network, we are beginning to build a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure in eastern and central Germany. As part of the Germany-wide hydrogen core network, we have included a total of around 1,100 kilometers of lines in the application. In the first important phase on the way to a nationwide transport infrastructure, we want to build around 600 kilometers of hydrogen pipelines - mainly by converting existing natural gas pipelines and building new sections. Network construction will start in central Germany: the Leipzig area will be connected to the central German chemical triangle, the industrial centers in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, the Berlin area and the Meißen industrial arc.
The ONTRAS H2 start network includes both the IPCEI Green Octopus Central Germany - the connection between Salzgitter, Bad Lauchstädt and the Leipzig area - and the approximately 25-kilometre-long pipeline section in the Bad Lauchstädt energy park, the conversion of which is already underway and parts of doing hydrogen.
ONTRAS projects with a planned commissioning date after 2027 will be reviewed again as part of the integrated gas and hydrogen network development plan, as required by law.
Further network expansion as part of integrated network development plan
The gradual expansion of the core hydrogen network is the first stage in the development of the German hydrogen infrastructure - which will then move on to the regular process of integrated network development planning. This paves the way for the further, nationwide expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure in Germany, including at the distribution network level. The increasingly concrete determination of hydrogen potentials and requirements as part of network development planning will enable the gradual implementation of further pipeline projects in the coming years.
The ONTRAS start network for hydrogen at a glance
The planned ONTRAS start network for hydrogen links to other hydrogen infrastructure projects in Germany and is integrated into the European Hydrogen Backbone, given the key role that a hydrogen network plays in the energy transition throughout all of Europe.
“The ONTRAS start network for hydrogen connects key production and consumption areas. But we are looking beyond this, together with our customers and partners in the region. Because we can only develop a hydrogen network that optimally covers all demand by working together.”
Associated partner companies
Joining forces with partner companies to advance the hydrogen economy in Eastern Germany.
ENERTRAG provides a comprehensive range of services related to renewable forms of energy. We efficiently combine electricity, heat and mobility in all areas of life. As an energy producer with an annual production of 1.5 TWh in its portfolio and a service network made up of over 1,120 wind turbines, we know from our own experience what is important for our customers. With over two decades of experience in Europe, our some 540 employees combine all the skills and expertise required to successfully operate and efficiently maintain our systems, as well as implementing citizen-oriented planning and the reliable construction of energy plants and grids up to complete interconnected power plants.
A successful energy transition in metropolitan areas and cities like Berlin requires above all a heat transition. To this end, Vattenfall Heat is driving the decarbonisation of urban heating with partners, thereby supporting the goals of the State of Berlin: climate neutrality by 2045. Today, Vattenfall is already actively working on the integration of green hydrogen to create a fossil-free district heating and power supply.
The building materials company CEMEX operates on a global scale with its cement, ready-mixed concrete, mineral resources and urbanisation divisions. Through its sustainable products and solutions, the company aims to contribute to a better future. This means CEMEX focuses on the circular economy along the entire construction value chain and is a pioneer when it comes to promoting the use of new technologies. CEMEX has set itself the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 55% across Europe by 2030. The company has also committed to delivering carbon neutral concrete globally by 2050.
CEMEX website (German)
VNG Handel & Vertrieb GmbH, based in Leipzig, supplies national and international trading companies, distributors, municipal utilities as well as industrial and large customers reliable and flexible with natural gas. Innovative products, diverse services and individual concepts for environmentally friendly energy supply offer to our customers a comprehensive support for the implementation of the energy transition.
The VNG Group, headquartered in Leipzig, Germany, is an energy supplier active throughout Europe with a broadly based service portfolio in gas and infrastructure. With its "VNG 2030+" strategy, VNG is pursuing an ambitious path for its commitment to renewable and decarbonized gases. VNG is one of the leading biogas producers in Germany and is actively involved in a number of projects to build a CO2-neutral hydrogen economy with a special focus on eastern Germany.