Hydrogen Infrastructure
Infrastructure with a future -
Development of the ONTRAS H2 start network
in eastern and central Germany
The development of a functioning hydrogen economy is fundamental to achieving the climate targets. With our long-distance pipeline network and our expertise, we are actively shaping the future hydrogen infrastructure in eastern Germany.
Potential of our network
We have been transporting mixed hydrogen from two power-to-gas plants in our network since 2013. However, the infrastructure has potential beyond this - as a transport system for hydrogen, it can connect producers, consumers and storage facilities, thus providing the basis for a rapid market ramp-up and a functioning hydrogen economy. As the operator of the transmission network in eastern Germany, ONTRAS is committed to driving forward the transformation of the network and the development of the eastern German hydrogen infrastructure.
Projects anchored in the hydrogen core network: launch of the ONTRAS H2 start network in central Germany
With the ONTRAS H2 start network, we are beginning to build a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure in eastern and central Germany. As part of the Germany-wide hydrogen core network, we have included a total of around 1,100 kilometers of lines in the application. In the first important phase on the way to a nationwide transport infrastructure, we want to build around 600 kilometers of hydrogen pipelines - mainly by converting existing natural gas pipelines and building new sections. Network construction will start in central Germany: the Leipzig area will be connected to the central German chemical triangle, the industrial centers in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, the Berlin area and the Meißen industrial arc.
The ONTRAS H2 start network includes both the IPCEI Green Octopus Central Germany - the connection between Salzgitter, Bad Lauchstädt and the Leipzig area - and the approximately 25-kilometre-long pipeline section in the Bad Lauchstädt energy park, the conversion of which is already underway and parts of doing hydrogen.
ONTRAS projects with a planned commissioning date after 2027 will be reviewed again as part of the integrated gas and hydrogen network development plan, as required by law.
Focus on pioneering work: Bad Lauchstädt energy park
The Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park (EBL) is the first and so far only real laboratory of the energy transition under construction with a final investment decision by all partners. It covers the entire value chain for green hydrogen: large-scale production, storage, transportation, marketing and use. This holistic approach is groundbreaking for the future of energy supply in the region and beyond. It is funded by the BMWK as a real laboratory for the energy transition and is the first implementation project of the ONTRAS H2 start network. ONTRAS will convert a 25 km long natural gas pipeline between Bad Lauchstädt and Leuna to transport hydrogen and will be transporting hydrogen commercially from the 4th quarter of 2025.
“The FNB's core network is the first, important stage in the development of the German hydrogen infrastructure. We are convinced that with our ONTRAS H2 start network as part of the core network, we will provide a necessary prerequisite for the decarbonization of industry and the economy in eastern and central Germany.”
