Groundbreaking Ceremony for Hydrogen Pipeline between Emden and Leer

H₂Coastlink 1 Connects Electrolyzer to Core Network

In late June, EWE Netz held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the 24-kilometer hydrogen pipeline "H₂Coastlink 1". The pipeline will connect EWE's 320 MW electrolyzer in Emden to the hydrogen core network. From autumn 2027 onwards, the pipeline will transport approximately 26,000 tons of hydrogen per year.

A significant portion of the hydrogen is intended for supplying Salzgitter AG, which recently concluded a long-term supply contract with EWE. The pipeline is also designed to accommodate future increases in transport volumes, providing an important foundation for hydrogen infrastructure in Germany.

Cornerstone of the Clean Hydrogen Coastline Megaproject

H₂Coastlink 1 is the first building block of the Clean Hydrogen Coastline (CHC) megaproject, which aims to link the entire hydrogen value chain – from production through transport and storage to industrial utilization. GTG Nord is the project sponsor, with EWE Netz responsible for planning and construction.

The project receives support from the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and the State of Lower Saxony. This backing underscores the strategic importance of the undertaking for hydrogen economy in Europe.

Central Role in Regional Hydrogen Infrastructure

In Leer, H₂Coastlink 1 will be connected to the hydrogen core network. Additional key components of future hydrogen infrastructure are being developed there through projects such as HyperLink by Gasunie Deutschland and Nordsee-Ruhr-Link IV, planned by OGE. Furthermore, EWE Netz is in discussions regarding possible branch-off points along the route to enable companies in Moormersland to gain access to hydrogen supply according to their specific needs.

Planning Approval Completed in Record Time

Heiko Fastje, member of the management board of EWE Netz, emphasized at the groundbreaking ceremony that the planning approval procedure was completed in just five months. For an infrastructure project of this scale, this is far from routine and represents an important milestone on the path to implementing H₂Coastlink 1.