Application and Approval Platform for the Development of the Hydrogen Core Grid Launched

Since mid-November, a fully digital application and approval platform for hydrogen core grid pipelines has been available for the first time. Pilot hydrogen core grid operators can submit their permit applications via this platform, while participating authorities process them entirely digitally.

The new solution is based on an administrative agreement between the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDS) and the City of Hamburg. Hamburg is providing the platform, which can be used nationwide and enables end-to-end digital processing, including AI support.

Technologically, the application builds on the proven OZG-EfA solution "Citizen Participation and Information (DiPlanung)," which is already established in six German states for urban development planning and spatial planning. End-to-end digital process chains are expected to significantly accelerate approval procedures in the future.

The go-live marks a key milestone on the path to a nationally deployable digital approval system. The project was initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and financed by the Climate and Transformation Fund.

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs (BMDS) and Hamburg plan to continue their cooperation in 2026. The focus will be on the integration of an AI component developed by the federal government, the use of which is also intended to benefit municipalities in the future.