Major Contract Awarded for the Construction of a 100-Kilometer Hydrogen Core Grid

At the beginning of March, ONTRAS Gastransport GmbH signed a contract with Mannesmann Linepipe GmbH and Mannesmann Großrohr GmbH for the delivery of approximately 100 kilometers of pipeline. These pipe sections will be used to construct the ONTRAS H2 starter grid, which will comprise a total of 600 kilometers of hydrogen pipelines for Central and Eastern Germany. A key project is the long-distance gas pipeline (FGL) 702, which will connect industrial sites and is designed for the future transport of hydrogen.

The pipeline sections, manufactured in European plants, are scheduled for delivery to construction sites along the route starting in 2027. Planning approval procedures for the planned new construction sections are scheduled to begin in 2026; construction is currently planned to commence in 2027 or 2028. The pipeline section is expected to be operational and thus begin commercial hydrogen transport by December 2029, according to current plans.

The pipeline section is expected to be operational by December 2029. Ralph Bahke, ONTRAS Managing Director for Control and Development, explained that the careful examination and selection of suppliers represents an important step for the company towards the planned completion of the FGL 702. This facility will play a key role in Germany's core hydrogen grid.