Transport
& Storage

How is hydrogen transported safely from the producer to the consumer, and how is it stored? Here are the most important answers regarding the transport and storage of hydrogen in Germany.

Questions & Answers

Transport over long distances generally takes place via underground pipelines. Primarily, existing pipelines that are currently part of the natural gas transmission network are used. These pipelines can be converted for the transport of hydrogen.

In the GET H2 Nukleus project, for example, mostly existing pipelines are being used. Of the approximately 130-kilometre route, 115 kilometres are existing pipelines currently transporting natural gas, which will be converted for hydrogen transport. A further 15 kilometres of pipeline will be newly constructed by Evonik between Marl and Gelsenkirchen-Scholven.

The hydrogen core network, which will be gradually developed in Germany by 2032, will comprise around 9,000 kilometres of pipelines. About 60% of these will be existing lines, with the remainder being newly built.

Hydrogen can be stored and transported in gaseous form under pressure, in liquid form, or bound to ammonia, methanol or Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) such as benzyltoluene. Each technology entails different infrastructure requirements for storage and transport. All technologies have their respective advantages and disadvantages—there is no single solution that is optimal for all applications.

An overview of the technical characteristics of different transport media can be found in the GET H2 Factsheet H2 Import.

Industry and mobility sectors generally require a supply of pure, unblended hydrogen. If green hydrogen were only blended into natural gas, project partners would not be able to fully realise the potential for CO₂ emission reductions in these sectors. Even with a network that transports 100% hydrogen, blending hydrogen into natural gas remains a theoretical option for reducing fossil energy consumption. However, most experts assume that the cost of climate-neutral hydrogen will be too high for blending with natural gas to be economically viable.

Yes. Only those parts of the natural gas transmission network that have been released by the Federal Network Agency will be converted—specifically those not required to maintain natural gas supply security. The same applies to cavern storage facilities that are being converted for hydrogen use.

Information on network development planning, in which the development of natural gas and hydrogen networks is planned in a coordinated manner, is available on the website of the FNB Gas coordination office.

The pipelines of the natural gas transmission system are made of steel, and the steels used are generally suitable for transporting hydrogen. In Germany, several regionally limited hydrogen networks have already been safely operated by industrial companies for decades. Their pipelines are also made of steel and comparable to those in the transmission system. The suitability of the pipelines being converted for hydrogen transport in the GET H2 Nukleus project has already been confirmed through comprehensive inspections.

Hydrogen is transported in its molecular form (H₂), not as individual atoms. The steel used in pipelines is not attacked by molecular hydrogen—unlike highly alloyed steels or titanium used in the automotive industry. Weld seams are not more susceptible than other pipeline surfaces. A precondition for any embrittlement effect is the presence of atomic hydrogen combined with imperfections on the inner wall of the pipeline. Atomic hydrogen can penetrate the metal lattice via such imperfections, recombine into H₂, and over time reduce the binding energy of the lattice. To prevent this, surface imperfections are removed. Network operators calculate pipeline lifespans conservatively to ensure maximum safety. In practice, expected operating periods extend over several decades, ensuring safe and economically viable hydrogen transport.

Germany’s transmission network has been developed gradually since the 1940s. The pipelines between Lingen and Gelsenkirchen, which are to be converted as part of the GET H2 Nukleus project, were mostly built between 1944 and 2013.
The age of a pipeline says nothing about its condition. The network is regularly inspected according to the rules of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW). Any damaged sections identified are replaced as needed.

Leaks may occur through damaged pipelines or faulty fittings. Gas infrastructure is subject to strict safety standards in planning, construction and operation. Monitoring measures include:

Regular inspection with hydrogen detection via helicopter
24/7 monitoring and control of gas flow from a central control centre
Immediate detection of pressure drops caused by leaks
Rapid isolation and depressurisation of affected sections
Replacement of damaged components

If a pipeline is damaged, for instance by construction work, a trained emergency team is immediately dispatched. In coordination with safety authorities, this team takes all necessary steps to ensure safety at every level.

Only a very large, sudden hydrogen release could pose a hazard—for example, if a high-pressure (around 60 bar or more) pipeline were severely damaged, such as by construction activity. The risk of ignition generally exists only if a flame or sparks occur simultaneously at the point of release. As with natural gas transport, system pressure is continuously monitored. A significant gas release causes an immediate pressure drop, which is automatically detected.

Hydrogen can ignite in contact with oxygen if a spark is present. The risk of explosion depends on the hydrogen concentration in the air mixture. A mixture containing 4–77 mol% hydrogen can be explosive. As pure hydrogen (100%) is transported in the pipeline network, an explosion within the pipeline is impossible. Moreover, as the hydrogen inside the pipeline is under significantly higher pressure than the surrounding air, oxygen cannot enter the system or alter the concentration.

In the GET H2 Nukleus project, major industrial sites will be supplied with hydrogen via the existing transmission network and newly constructed connecting sections that do not pass through residential areas. According to current DVGW regulations, pipelines in the natural gas transmission network must be buried at least one metre below ground level. The same depth will apply to hydrogen pipelines.

For existing pipelines being converted, modifications to valves and compressors at existing facilities are required. These take place locally at specific sites. In the GET H2 Nukleus project, for example, this affects twelve points along the 115-kilometre route.

For new builds, two techniques may be used, both similar to those used for gas pipeline construction:

Open trenching: using excavators in pre-dug trenches
Tunnel boring: for crossing rivers, canals, roads, railways, or protected landscapes

The project primarily uses existing pipelines. Construction work will focus mainly on the RWE power plant site in Lingen and the partial new pipeline built by Evonik between the Marl Chemical Park and Gelsenkirchen-Scholven (around 15 kilometres). This section will be built concurrently with an already planned pipeline replacement, meaning no additional environmental impact. Effort and disruption will be far lower than for entirely new gas pipeline construction.

The aim of any new pipeline project is to minimise impact on people and the environment. This is always taken into account during route planning, which is carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities and, in some cases, with public involvement. Some vegetation clearing or tree removal may be necessary. Each construction project determines specific measures to minimise interference and establish environmental compensation, such as tree replanting. After completion, keeping routes clear remains a safety measure to ensure accessibility and prevent root damage to pipelines.

According to §113a of the EnWG, existing rights of way for natural gas pipelines apply equally to hydrogen pipelines. Since neither the burial depth nor the width of the restricted construction corridor change during conversion, property values are not expected to be affected. For new pipeline projects, property value impacts cannot be generalised and are negotiated individually with landowners.

Hydrogen is mainly stored in so-called cavern storages—underground salt caverns that have safely stored natural gas for decades and can be converted for hydrogen use. New salt caverns can also be developed for hydrogen storage. Most existing gas and planned hydrogen storage facilities are located in north-western Germany. Nearly 90% of all potential cavern storages in Europe are found in East Frisia, Oldenburg, and Münsterland. The first hydrogen storage facility to be connected to the GET H2 Nukleus project in 2026 is located in Gronau-Epe. On a smaller scale, tube trailers or gas tanks can also be used. Only proven and safe technologies are employed. The GET H2 partner Linde already operates hydrogen cavern storage facilities and has summarised its experience in a case study available for download.

The hydrogen network is being developed gradually and forms the backbone of the emerging hydrogen economy. It must be built before full hydrogen market demand exists, meaning it will not be fully utilised from the start. To ensure that neither early users nor consumers bear the initial costs, the Federal Government has set up an amortisation account. Construction costs are paid from this account, while network usage fees are paid into it. By 2055, the account is expected to balance as full network utilisation is achieved, making the hydrogen infrastructure self-sustaining.

H2-Projects

Production

300 MW electrolysis (GET H2 Nukleus)

RWE
The GET H2 Nukleus project involves the construction of an electrolysis plant at the site of the Emsland gas-fired power station in Lingen (Ems), Emsland district, Lower Saxony. The plant will be built in three stages with a total capacity of 300 megawatts (MW). The project aims to produce green hydrogen on a large scale for commercial use, which will be supplied to industrial customers.
The project is being funded as part of the IPCEI programme Hy2Infra (Important Project of Common European Interest). Funding is provided by the German federal government and the state of Lower Saxony. Commissioning of the first 200 MW is planned for 2026, with expansion to 300 MW planned for 2027. At full capacity, the plant will produce 5.6 tonnes of green hydrogen per hour.

Transport

Hydrogen Training Centre Werne

OGE
In addition to the technical infrastructure, the development of a comprehensive hydrogen transport network also requires technical staff to build up knowledge and expertise. That is why OGE has built the H₂ training track in Werne. Here, participants can practise handling the molecule under real conditions and learn about operational processes. A three-day training course covers both theoretical and, in particular, practical content. The programme is offered in cooperation with the Gas- und Wärme-Institut Essen e. V. (GWI) and the Deutschen Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches e. V. (DVGW). 

Application

Production

SALCOS (Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking)

Salzgitter AG
Salzgitter AG is converting its steel production at its Salzgitter site in Lower Saxony to hydrogen. The SALCOS® (Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking) program prevents the generation of CO₂ directly in the production process. The first expansion stage consists of a direct reduction plant with an annual capacity of 2 million tons, an electric arc furnace, and a 100 MW electrolysis plant for hydrogen production on the factory premises.
The IPCEI project is being funded with around one billion euros by the German federal government and the state of Lower Saxony. Production is scheduled to start in the first half of 2027. In the first step, around one-third of production will be converted to the hydrogen-based process. The complete transformation by the middle of the 2030s is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 95 percent.

Transport

H2 pipeline Legden-Marl-Scholven

SYNEQT (Evonik)
SYNEQT's pipeline system connects the Marl Chemical Park and the Scholven refinery in North Rhine-Westphalia with the hydrogen core network. The total route comprises more than 50 kilometers of operational pipeline, 41 kilometers of which were converted from an existing natural gas pipeline to hydrogen, 13 kilometers were newly constructed. In addition, new sections were built, including a three-kilometer pipeline through the Marl Chemical Park and a ten-kilometer connection to the refinery in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven. The system enables the transport of up to 50,000 tons of hydrogen per year and brings climate-neutral hydrogen directly to industrial customers. The project is part of the GET H2 Nukleus initiative and was implemented by SYNEQT together with partners from the hydrogen value chain. The aim is to connect the climate-neutral production of green hydrogen in northern Germany with industrial customers in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. SYNEQT completed work on the entire pipeline route from Legden via Marl to Gelsenkirchen-Scholven in just under two years of intensive project work. Six stations were included in the conversion. The pipeline strengthens the role of the Marl Chemical Park as a hydrogen hub."

Transport

Flow – making hydrogen happen Phase 1

GASCADE
In December 2025, 400 km of hydrogen pipeline went into operation. Existing pipelines were filled with hydrogen for this purpose. The route runs from Lubmin in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to Bobbau in Saxony-Anhalt.

Transport

Conversion of pipelines 40b, 43, and 60

Nowega
The pipelines 40b, 43, and 60 connect Lingen in Emsland with Bad Bentheim in the district of Grafschaft Bentheim in Lower Saxony and form an important section of the GET H2 hydrogen network currently under construction. The three line sections cover a total of around 51 kilometers: Line 40b extends over 22 kilometers from the Messingen station southeast of Lingen via the Schepsdorf network node to the Frenswegen station northwest of Nordhorn. Line 43 runs for 11 kilometers from the Schepsdorf station to the Holthausen II station with a connection to bp Lingen, and Pipeline 60 runs for 18 kilometers from the Frenswegen station to the Bentheim station. The pipelines operate at a working pressure of 70 bar. The converted natural gas pipelines are used to transport green hydrogen from Lingen, where hydrogen is to be produced from wind power, to industrial customers in the northern Ruhr area. The project was implemented by Nowega GmbH and is part of the GET H2 Nukleus project, which is being realized in collaboration with partners OGE, RWE, and Evonik. The project was funded as part of the IPCEI program. Pipelines 40b and 60 have been operational since the successful conversion and are transporting hydrogen.

Transport & Storage

Questions & Answers

How is hydrogen transported and what infrastructure is used?

Are there alternatives to pipelines for transporting hydrogen?

Why build a dedicated hydrogen network instead of blending hydrogen into natural gas?

Is only green hydrogen transported through the pipelines?

If parts of the natural gas network are converted, will gas supply remain secure?

Can hydrogen simply be transported in natural gas pipelines?

How is the suitability of existing gas pipelines ensured?

Hydrogen molecules are much smaller than natural gas molecules. Can they pass through steel?

Does hydrogen cause embrittlement of weld seams or the pipelines themselves?

Does hydrogen generally reduce the strength or elasticity of steel?

How old are the pipelines to be converted, and are they still reliable?

Is transporting hydrogen through pipelines dangerous?

How are leaks in hydrogen pipelines prevented and managed?

What happens if hydrogen reacts with air? Does it explode?

How much hydrogen can be released into the air before it becomes dangerous?

If hydrogen ignites at a leak, could the entire pipeline network explode?

Do the pipelines run through residential areas, and how deep are they buried?

What construction work is expected along the pipelines?

What impacts (dust, noise, lorry traffic) should residents expect from the necessary construction work?

What environmental impacts are expected from new hydrogen pipeline construction?

Is hydrogen infrastructure development comparable to expanding the electricity grid?

Can natural gas pipelines simply be converted for hydrogen use?

Do landowners need to give consent for conversion?

Does a hydrogen pipeline reduce the value of a property above it?

Where is hydrogen stored?

Can hydrogen molecules escape from cavern storage into the ground or groundwater?

What happens if less hydrogen is consumed than planned for network transport?

H2-Projects

300 MW electrolysis (GET H2 Nukleus)

Hydrogen Training Centre Werne

SALCOS (Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking)

H2 pipeline Legden-Marl-Scholven

Flow – making hydrogen happen Phase 1

Conversion of pipelines 40b, 43, and 60

300 MW electrolysis (GET H2 Nukleus)

Hydrogen Training Centre Werne

SALCOS (Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking)

H2 pipeline Legden-Marl-Scholven

Flow – making hydrogen happen Phase 1

Conversion of pipelines 40b, 43, and 60

Transport
& Storage