Offshore Pipeline to Connect British Hydrogen with German Demand

German transmission system operator GASCADE Gastransport GmbH and UK transmission system operator National Gas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of a hydrogen corridor between the UK and Germany in the North Sea through an offshore pipeline connection - an important step towards a secure, resilient and sustainable European energy system. The two transmission system operators are building on the recent findings of a feasibility study carried out by Arup, Adelphi and Dena as part of the UK-German Hydrogen Partnership.

“This collaboration is an important milestone for Europe's energy future. Through joint infrastructure projects like this, we can harness the UK's significant renewable resources and Germany's strategic hydrogen storage and consumption capacity, diversify energy imports and strengthen Europe's energy security,” said Ulrich Benterbusch, Managing Director of GASCADE.

“Our partnership with GASCADE is a testament to our determination and ability to work together, not only to support Europe's climate goals, but more importantly to build a stronger and more resilient energy system that benefits us all,” says Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas.

About the project

The UK-Germany Hydrogen Corridor project will consist of two offshore pipeline sections. The first section will start on the UK mainland and connect to the second section, GASCADE's AquaDuctus pipeline project, which will connect to the German mainland. The project will provide bi-directional transportation capacity, offering greater flexibility and security of supply to both markets. It is strategically aligned with European initiatives to build a robust hydrogen economy that significantly reduces dependence on energy imports and promotes sustainable industrial growth. By combining the significant hydrogen production potential in the UK with hydrogen demand in Germany and continental Europe via the AquaDuctus pipeline in the German North Sea, the project will contribute significantly to the resilience and flexibility of Europe's emerging hydrogen economy. The companies intend to include the project in the European Union's Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2026.