Hydrogen from Germany's Nationwide H2 Core Grid for Essen

Gas grid operator Open Grid Europe (OGE) and Stadtwerke Essen have partnered to address the future transport of hydrogen to and within Essen. The two companies recently signed a corresponding partnership agreement. Specifically, Stadtwerke Essen and OGE are exploring how hydrogen can be delivered through the nationwide core network to businesses and consumers in Essen. OGE plans, builds, and operates a pipeline network spanning over 12,000 kilometers in Germany, connecting major consumers. Stadtwerke Essen distributes natural gas—and, in the future, hydrogen—through its network to end consumers.

The partnership focuses on prospective capacity needs as well as network connection and transformation planning. This includes addressing when and how hydrogen will flow through specific parts of Stadtwerke Essen’s distribution network.

“The partnership between two strong Essen-based companies underscores the seriousness of advancing decarbonization and energy transformation in the Rhine-Ruhr region. As a key industrial hub in Germany, Essen's hydrogen supply is of tremendous importance, from businesses to end customers,” said Dr. Thomas Hüwener, CEO of OGE.

Dr. Frank Pieper, CEO of Stadtwerke Essen, added: “As a local utility, it is strategically important for us to tackle innovative solutions early on for a sustainable energy supply of tomorrow. That is why we have decided to harness the potential of hydrogen for Essen. Strong partnerships are essential for this, and we are forging these, such as the one now with OGE.”

Essen's Mayor, Thomas Kufen, also praised the partnership: “As Europe’s energy capital, Essen plays a pioneering role in the field of hydrogen. We see H2 not only as a key technology to actively shape the energy transition and develop sustainable solutions for the future. Hydrogen as an energy carrier will also significantly strengthen our local economy. I am therefore pleased that two key players in Essen's energy supply are working together to secure this supply.”

Background: At the end of October, the Federal Network Agency approved the construction of a nationwide hydrogen core network in Germany. By 2032, this will become Europe’s largest hydrogen network, spanning a total length of 9,040 kilometers. OGE is building part of this new hydrogen infrastructure. The core network will consist largely of converted natural gas pipelines (approximately 60%) and require an investment of around €19 billion. The core network will cross the city of Essen.