Germany's Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has approved a core hydrogen network project proposed by transmission system operators (TSOs), with an overall expected investment of €18.9bn. It includes 9,040 km of hydrogen transport lines, of which about 60% should be converted from gas to hydrogen and 40% will be newly built. The first lines will be converted during 2025, to be gradually put into operation by 2032. The network aims to connect future hydrogen clusters throughout Germany, while also considering the connection with neighbouring countries. In June 2024, the European Commission cleared a €3bn German state aid scheme to support the construction of the Hydrogen Core Network.
In July 2024, Germany approved an import strategy for hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives, establishing a framework to ensure the country meets its imports needs, since it expects to import up to 70% of its hydrogen demand by 2030 (up to 90 TWh out of a total hydrogen demand of 130 TWh). The country also plans to add 8.8 GW of H2 plants by 2035.