OGE Begins Construction Preparations for Hydrogen and Natural Gas Pipelines in the Münster Administrative District

Open Grid Europe GmbH (OGE) has begun the initial construction work for several new natural gas and hydrogen pipelines in the Münster administrative district. Shortly before the end of 2025, the long-distance pipeline operator received the necessary planning approvals for the Marbeck-Heiden (MaHei), Heiden-Dorsten (HeiDo), Dorsten-Hamborn (DoHa), and Dorsten-Marl (DoMa) projects.

According to the company, the construction projects have been reported to the relevant authorities. Ecological and soil science monitoring has been organized, and nature conservation authorities were informed in advance. Various preparatory construction steps are now planned, including the establishment of pipe storage areas. Simultaneously, the conversion and new construction of the gas pressure regulating and metering station (GDRMA) in Dorsten is beginning. According to current plans, the main construction work is scheduled to start in March and be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

The planned pipelines serve different functions: MaHei and HeiDo are intended to facilitate the conversion from low-calorific gas (L-gas) to high-calorific gas (H-gas) and are already designed for future hydrogen transport. The DoHa pipeline connects the Dorsten hub with potential industrial customers such as Thyssenkrupp in Duisburg and is considered a key component for climate-neutral steel production in the Ruhr region. The DoMa pipeline links the Dorsten section with connection points in the Marl Chemical Park to decarbonize industrial processes there. OGE is a partner in these projects, working with various companies, including Thyssengas and Nowega.

The DoHa and DoMa hydrogen pipelines are part of the GET H₂ initiative, which has been officially recognized by the Federal Network Agency as part of the core hydrogen grid since October 2024. The projects are funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia.