HH-WIN now part of nationwide hydrogen network

"By including Hamburg's hydrogen pipelines in the core hydrogen network, the German government is highlighting HH-Win’s supra-regional importance. We produce hydrogen in Hamburg, import it via terminals and use it locally in our industry. The network thus has an important bridging function for the entire hydrogen economy that is emerging nationwide," said Jens Kerstan, Senator for the Environment. The hydrogen network is a key part of the national hydrogen strategy and will deliver hydrogen produced in Hamburg to all of Germany from late 2027. "The inclusion in the core network allows us to turn Hamburg into Germany’s hydrogen hub," said Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economics. The amended Energy Industry Act (EnWG) ensures a nationwide, efficient hydrogen infrastructure. It also provides for a core network to connect production and import sites such as Hamburg with consumers.

Hamburg's industry will benefit from the hydrogen network’s inclusion in the national core network. "Industrial companies in Hamburg will be able to obtain hydrogen easily and lower their CO2 emissions," Leonhard added. The Federal Network Agency's financing model should lead to secure investments from 2027. A standardised, nationwide startup grid fee will cushion the difference between initially high investment costs and low income from grid fees while a broad user base is built up.  The shift in fees means that users will share the cost of building the grid. HH-WIN is an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and has received millions in funds approved by the EU Commission in February 2024.
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