ONTRAS and H2 Energy Europe sign MoU to advance green hydrogen transport network

H2 Energy Europe AG, a developer of large-scale green hydrogen ecosystems, and ONTRAS Gastransport GmbH (ONTRAS), a German transmission system operator (TSO), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define the technical and commercial measures needed to establish a green hydrogen transport network within the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative.

The collaboration aims to explore ways to transport green hydrogen from H2 Energy Europe’s planned 1GW production facility in Esbjerg, Denmark, via the proposed German hydrogen core network and the ONTRAS Green Octopus Mitteldeutschland (GO!) pipeline project to German industrial areas around Salzgitter, Berlin, Eisenhüttenstadt, Magdeburg and Leipzig-Halle. Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate industries including chemical manufacturing, steel production and power generation.

ONTRAS’s comprehensive experience in the transportation of gaseous energy will play a pivotal role in establishing a hydrogen pipeline network for Germany and Europe. As a combined approach, ONTRAS and the other German TSOs have proposed a hydrogen core network which will provide the necessary infrastructure for the efficient transportation of hydrogen within and through Germany.

ONTRAS is currently repurposing Germany’s first pipeline for the transport of green hydrogen. This involves analysing the pipeline network for suitability, planning new sections or repurposing existing ones, and coordinating with other operators to establish a comprehensive hydrogen backbone.

ONTRAS and H2 Energy Europe will determine the technical and commercial transport requirements, as well as potential exit points within the new hydrogen network. Additionally, both companies will prioritise stringent security measures to ensure the safe and reliable long-term supply of hydrogen, adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Once these system requirements have been defined, the goal will be for the two companies to enter into a long-term capacity contract.

“This agreement perfectly symbolises our dedication to creating a comprehensive hydrogen backbone on a European level. Hard-to-abate industries will be able to substantially reduce their carbon emissions using renewable hydrogen delivered to them through our network from sources such as this ambitious project in Denmark,” said Ralph Bahke.

Cyril Cabanes commented: “Our collaboration with ONTRAS should enable us to expand the hydrogen infrastructure essential for meeting the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions by industry. By linking our planned 1GW green hydrogen production project in Denmark with ONTRAS’s robust gas transport network in Germany we plan to contribute to the development of an integrated, reliable hydrogen economy that spans across Europe.”