Germany has approved the construction of a 9,040 km hydrogen network, aimed at driving the country toward its carbon neutrality goals by 2045. The project will cost €18.9 billion, slightly below the original estimate of €19.7 billion. Around 60% of the network will be repurposed from existing natural gas pipelines, minimizing costs and environmental disruption.

The hydrogen infrastructure, set to be operational by 2032, will support key industries such as steelmaking and transport. It will also integrate cross-border hydrogen flows with neighboring countries, strengthening European cooperation.

The first phase of hydrogen transportation is expected to begin by 2025, with a total capacity of 278 TWh annually. The network's development is expected to attract private investment, particularly through IPCEI programs aimed at coordinating subsidies for strategic projects.

Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck emphasized the importance of collaboration with European countries, including the Netherlands and France, to ensure stable hydrogen flows and prices across the continent.