New Hydrogen Pipeline HYBOR: Planning Progresses

For the planned HYBOR hydrogen pipeline, the scoping procedure has started in all affected federal states—Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Thuringia. At this early stage of the process, the framework for the subsequent environmental assessments is defined in cooperation with the responsible authorities and public stakeholders. This lays the foundation for the upcoming environmental impact assessment and the planning approval procedure.

Preparatory investigations along the planned route have already been underway since the end of 2025. These include environmental surveys of flora and fauna as well as geotechnical studies. The aim is to assess local conditions at an early stage and align further planning responsibly with environmental and site-specific requirements.

The results of these investigations and the scoping process will be incorporated into the documentation for the planning approval procedure, which is scheduled to begin next year.

The approximately 120-kilometre HYBOR hydrogen pipeline will run from Bobbau in Saxony-Anhalt via Saxony to Rückersdorf in Thuringia. It is part of Germany’s hydrogen core network and is expected to be completed by 2029. The project is being implemented by GASCADE as part of the infrastructure programme “Flow – making hydrogen happen”.

HYBOR connects existing pipelines that will be converted to transport hydrogen, thereby closing an important gap in the emerging hydrogen network. This will enable reliable hydrogen transport into the region and onward distribution to industry, storage facilities, and other consumers. The pipeline will thus make a significant contribution to building a climate-neutral energy supply in Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Thuringia.