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Network Development Infographic

Gas and hydrogen network development planning process

The procedure of integrated network development planning (NDP) for gas and hydrogen consists of two components: the scenario framework and the network development plan. According to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), the regulated transmission system operators and regulated hydrogen transport system operators are responsible for this.

The requirements of the Gas and Hydrogen NDP are defined by the Energy Industry Act (Sections 15a to 15d EnWG), which was amended in 2024, and based on the EU-wide network development plan (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2009). The Coordination Office submits the drafts of the transmission system operators and the operators of hydrogen transport networks to the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) for review. Authorities, key market participants and the public are consulted.

Status: Gas and Hydrogen NDP 2025

NOTES ON USE
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The files provided have been created to the best of our knowledge and belief. Notwithstanding this, FNB Gas e.V. accepts no responsibility for any damage arising from the use of the files.

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Infographic - Gas and hydrogen network development planning process / JPG / 194 KB

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Coordination Office for Network Development Planning for Gas and Hydrogen (KO.NEP)

Overall figures of scenario framework approval 2025

Overall figures of the approval of the scenario framework of the Gas and Hydrogen NDP 2025

Gas and hydrogen network development planning process

The German transmission system

With a length of approximately 40,000 km, the German transmission network forms the backbone of the gas transport system in Germany. The transmission system is divided into an H-gas and an L-gas transport network. These two transport networks are shown in the figure. Status: Gas and Hydrogen NDP 2025

Crossing a river during the construction of the SEL

The South German Natural Gas Pipeline (SEL) is part of the energy transition. The pipeline will initially supply modern gas-fired power plants in Baden-Württemberg with natural gas and transport hydrogen to Baden-Württemberg over a length of 250 kilometers from the beginning of the 2030s. This will enable the phase-out of coal-fired power generation and, as […]

Hydrogen-compatible pipe for the SEL

Pipe delivery during the construction of the SEL

Welded cable string is inserted into the trench

Lowering a pipe string during the construction of the SEL

Explanatory video: Converting a long-distance pipeline from natural gas to hydrogen

If a pipeline is converted from natural gas to hydrogen, it must be re-approved. To this end, independent experts carry out a detailed examination. You can find out what measures are being taken in this video.

Explanatory film: How FNB Gas plans the hydrogen network

In order to develop the hydrogen network from the existing natural gas infrastructure, the planning must be all of a piece. Why this is so and how it works, we explain in this video.

Joint webinar: Hydrogen network planning at FNB and VNB level.

On October 25, 2022, a joint webinar was held by FNB Gas with DVGW, VKU, and the “H2vorOrt” initiative. More than 350 interested representatives from politics and authorities, the energy sector as well as business and industry took part in the virtual event. The great response shows that hydrogen is not only essential for the […]

Video statement from FNB Gas Chairman of the Board Dr Thomas Gößmann on the publication of the Hydrogen Report

Germany must accelerate the ramp-up of hydrogen in order to secure supplies and promote climate protection. The hydrogen report submitted by the transmission system operators on September 1, 2022, in accordance with Section 28q of the German Energy Act (EnWG) shows how the necessary transport infrastructure can be built efficiently, quickly, and in a targeted […]

WEB messages on the expected hydrogen demand in the distribution network

As part of the Hydrogen Generation and Demand (WEB) market survey, numerous distribution system operators also submitted demand reports. This clearly shows that entire regions must be developed with an efficient hydrogen infrastructure at an early stage and on a large scale in order to be able to ensure the supply of a large number […]

Interdependencies in the conversion from natural gas to hydrogen

Similar to the L-/H-gas conversion, the conversion of network areas from natural gas to hydrogen involves interdependence between the parties involved. Efficient conversion of an area along a transmission system operator’s line in terms of network expansion can only be ensured if all connected customers (distribution system operators or industrial customers connected to the transmission […]

Possible process from hydrogen demand notification to hydrogen conversion roadmap.

The basis for planning the conversion of pipelines to hydrogen by the transmission system operators is initially the specific demand reports from various demand carriers (distribution system operators or industrial customers directly connected to the transmission system). These demand reports were secured via Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the NEP Gas 2022-2032 before they were […]

Sequence of the conversion to hydrogen at the end customer (private household)

The federal government is working to ensure that, as far as possible, every new heating system will be powered by at least 65% renewable energy (on balance sheet or physical) from 2024 [BMWK 2022]. This includes all renewable energies, i.e. also green and climate-neutral gaseous energy sources such as biomethane or green hydrogen. However, for […]

The path to climate neutrality on site

Each distribution network in Germany has its own regional characteristics. For climate neutrality to be achieved locally, these specifics must always be taken into account. Therefore, after the analysis and planning process in an initial phase, the expansion phase will begin to upgrade the distribution networks or convert them to other green and climate-neutral gases […]

Hydrogen network planning process in the context of a holistic energy system approach

An overview of the hydrogen network planning concept in the context of a holistic energy system view is shown in the figure. The concept presented for future hydrogen network planning will be integrated into the proven gas network development planning process. At the same time, by taking a holistic view of the energy system, new […]

Hydrogen testing concept

Based on the modeling results of the hydrogen variant 2032 in the NEP Gas 2022-2032, the transmission system operators perform a hydrogen test for the year 2032 for the reported demands of the distribution system operators. The objective of the hydrogen test is to identify network interconnection points (NCPs) or exit zones of the distribution […]

Grid expansion measures Hydrogen variant 2032

The hydrogen network 2032 presented in the interim status for the NEP Gas 2022-2032 shows the result of the modeling of a Germany-wide hydrogen network for the year 2032 based on the MoU requirements, the results of the network development plan Gas 2020-2030 and the pipeline reports of the transmission system operators and other potential […]

Grid expansion measures Hydrogen variant 2027

The hydrogen network 2027 presented in the interim status for the NEP Gas 2022-2032 shows the result of the modeling of a Germany-wide hydrogen network for the year 2027 based on the MoU requirements, the results of the network development plan Gas 2020-2030 and the pipeline reports of the transmission system operators and other potential […]

Overview of decentralized hydrogen projects with a focus on the distribution grid

Whether small or on an industrial scale, research in nature or ready for practical application, narrowly focused or spanning value-adding stages: the listed selection of over 30 projects at the distribution grid level gives an impression of the current, diverse decarbonization activities of distribution grid operators spread across Germany. These underscore the relevance of the […]

IPCEI location map of the BMWi from May 28, 2021

On May 28, 2021, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), together with the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), published a list of 62 major projects eligible for potential funding under the IPCEI-Hydrogen program. The funding amount of EUR 8 billion is expected to trigger investments totaling EUR […]

Hydrogen network 2032

New LNG plants connected to the FNB network

In the LNG security of supply variants of the interim status for the NEP Gas 2022-2032, the network expansion for LNG facilities at the locations Brunsbüttel, Rostock, Stade and Wilhelmshaven is investigated in three different modeling variants. The Brunsbüttel and Stade sites are already included in the baseline variant, while the Rostock and Wilhelmshaven sites […]

Shut-off device at the Ochtrup compressor station

Construction of the compressor station in Ochtrup, North Rhine-Westphalia, began in 2010. The station forms the end of a pipeline that transports gas from Norway from Emden to the Ruhr area. The pressure in the pipelines decreases over long distances and is brought back to the required level in Ochtrup so that it can be […]

Welding work during the construction of a gas pipeline

The assembly of the large capillary tubes also always requires manual labor, despite heavy equipment for lifting and transporting.

Pipeline construction in the Ore Mountains

The EUGAL is to run from Lubmin near Greifswald on the Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in a southerly direction to Deutschneudorf in Saxony and on to the Czech Republic. It has a total length of around 480 kilometers and is to be laid in large sections parallel to the Baltic Sea Pipeline Link (OPAL). […]

Pile of pipes during construction of the Nordschwarzwald pipeline

The Northern Black Forest line of terranets bw runs for just under 70 km from Au am Rhein via Ettlingen and Pforzheim to Leonberg. The first 15-kilometer section from Au am Rhein to Ettlingen was built in 2014. The second, 54-kilometer section between Ettlingen and Leonberg, was completed in 2015/16. The ceremonial commissioning took place […]

Welding work during the construction of the Nordschwarzwald pipeline

Despite pipelines with a large circumference and the use of heavy equipment, the construction of a natural gas pipeline still requires real manual labor – here during the construction of the Nordschwarzwald pipeline of terranets bw.

Laying the gas pipes for the Nordschwarzwald pipeline

Gascade dispatching center

A dispatching center is the heart of every pipeline network: Here, the entire (long-distance) pipeline network is monitored and controlled 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The control center receives the necessary data via fiber optic cables installed along the natural gas pipelines, which provide signals as to where anomalies or malfunctions are […]

Course of a gas pipeline

Since gas pipelines run underground and after their construction the area can be renaturalized, the course of the pipeline is marked by these yellow signs.

Gas cleaning at the Bobbau compressor station

The Bobbau network hub, which was rebuilt and expanded from 1998 to 2001, is located in the network of ONTRAS Gastransport GmbH, a subsidiary of Verbundnetz Gas AG. Six long-distance gas pipelines converge there and can be switched as needed. The compressor station maintains the gas to be transported at 55 bar, thus stabilizing the […]

Pipe storage yard of the pipeline construction project MONACO

As a component of the Gas Network Development Plan, the MONACO long-distance natural gas pipeline from Burghausen to Finsing makes an active contribution to maintaining security of supply for Bavaria and the southern German region and to meeting the growing demand for gas transport capacity in Germany and Europe by connecting national and international pipeline […]

Pipeline transport

Pipes that will later be used to build a gas pipeline are transported to their destination by train.

Electric-powered gas compressor at the compressor station in Blankenloch

The compressor station in Blankenloch, near Karlsruhe, is located at an important junction. It ensures that the right pressure is maintained for gas transport in the Rheintal-Nord-Leitung 1, Rheintal-Nord-Leitung 3, Rheintal-Nord-Leitung 4, Rheintal-Süd-Leitung 1 and Schwaben-Leitung pipelines. The gas is compressed with the help of an electricity powered gas compressor and three gas powered gas […]

Nowega Dispatching Center

Nowega GmbH’s dispatching headquarters are located in Münster. From there, the approximately 800-kilometer-long pipeline network and the connected natural gas storage facilities are monitored with the help of modern communications and information technology. The necessary data is transmitted to Münster via fiber optic and copper cables installed along the gas pipelines. The process control system, […]

Pipe string with side tree beads

The so-called lateral construction caterpillars lower the pipeline into the trench excavated for this purpose. For this purpose, each side tree bead holds a loop in which the pipe. After laying in the trench, the loops are removed again. Trenchless methods such as microtunneling or direct pipe are also used for undercrossings of roads or […]

Elbe culvert during construction of the EUGAL

When building natural gas pipelines, rivers also have to be crossed – in this case the Elbe for the construction of the EUGAL (European Gas Link Pipeline). Pipelines that run under water are called culverts. The Elbe culvert is 230 meters long and was laid in December 2018.

Gas flow measurement in a gas pressure control and measurement system

To ensure transport over long distances, natural gas is compressed to up to 100 bar. On the way to the consumer, the pressure is then reduced again to a few millibars overpressure. This pressure reduction requires a so-called gas pressure control and measuring system. This measures and regulates the gas volume flows and serves to […]

Incremental Capacity Process – the process of creating new transportation capacity.

With the entry into force of the new Network Code Capacity Allocation (NC CAM), the German transmission system operators are implementing a procedure to determine the need for new capacity to be created. The so-called incremental capacity process can be divided into five simplified phases.

Preparation of the network development plan

The entirety of the network development plan consists of three documents – the scenario framework, the actual network development plan, and the implementation report. All these documents are created in a regular rhythm of two years. The scenario framework and network development plan documents are prepared in a multi-stage process involving various stakeholders. more information […]

Gas cooling at the compressor station in Bobbau

The Bobbau network hub, which was rebuilt and expanded from 1998 to 2001, is located in the network of Ontras, a subsidiary of VNG (Verbundnetz Gas AG). Six long-distance gas pipelines converge there and can be switched as needed. The compressor station maintains the gas to be transported at 55 bar, thus stabilizing the pressure […]