Hydrogen market design: TSOs propose their own cluster exchange model for rapid market ramp-up

The hydrogen market design is taking shape: In their statement, the transmission system operators expressly welcome the Federal Network Agency’s (BNetzA) move to establish a basic model for network access as well as for the balancing model at an early stage. “At the same time, we need options to be able to react to the specific developments of the hydrogen ramp-up,” says Barbara Fischer, FNB Gas Managing Director.

The TSOs assume that the new market will form in different phases. In the early years, there will be individual, unconnected infrastructure clusters in the hydrogen market, which will combine over time to form a complete network. In order to enable hydrogen transports between the clusters in a merging infrastructure market from the outset, the TSOs propose a separate “cluster exchange model” in their statement.

With their participation in the first consultation on the “WaKandA” and “WasABi” determination procedures by the BNetzA, the transmission system operators are actively involved in the creation of a market design for the emerging German hydrogen market. “The design to be developed is an important anchor for the success of the H2 market. It creates a level playing field for all market participants for access to the hydrogen core network and other hydrogen pipelines,” emphasizes Fischer.

“WasABi” (BK7-01-014) is intended to form the legal basis for the future hydrogen balancing and equalization model. The “WaKandA” specification (BK7-24-01-015) regulates the basic hydrogen capacity model and the processing of grid access (WaKandA).

Our complete statements are available in the downloads.