Hydrogen core network operators have launched coordinated capacity reservation process on 19 March 2026

To further support the ramp-up of the hydrogen market and offer market participants investment and planning security, the operators of the hydrogen core network have launched a coordinated process for reserving initial hydrogen core network capacities today at 1 p.m.. The process is based on a market information package published on 5 March. It provides the related information on the development of the hydrogen core network in the form of clusters and the capacities available therein and is available on the websites of the hydrogen core network operators. Starting immediately, the process allows companies to secure the entry and exit capacities required for their supply relationships at an early stage – an important contribution to securing hydrogen projects in Germany.

Barbara Fischer, Managing Director of FNB Gas, emphasises:

This marks the start.

”The development of the hydrogen core network is progressing. With the launch of the coordinated marketing process for the hydrogen core network, we are reaching an important next stage in the development of a hydrogen market in Germany and Europe,’

Capacities can now be reserved on the basis of a model contract agreed within the industry using a standardised application form. The form is available on the website of the hydrogen core network operator responsible for the respective entry or exit points. In the first step, reservations will be based on the network and capacity structures for the years 2026 to 2030 listed in the market information package. The capacity and cluster developments for the following years will be published subsequently by the hydrogen core network operators, taking into account the gas and hydrogen network development plan. With the start of the capacity reservation process, the hydrogen core network operators are providing an important impetus for cross-border hydrogen transport and the market ramp-up in Germany. It creates a reliable framework for the development of supply chains and long-term investment planning in the European hydrogen market.

Please note: The capacities published in Market Information Package 2 represent the initial capacity framework based on the infrastructure to be commissioned between 2026 and 2029. This provides the foundation for a hydrogen ramp-up in all areas already connected to the core hydrogen network. The capacity framework was determined using conservative assumptions due to the distribution and location of capacity requirements being unknown in advance. As the market develops and the specific location of demand becomes clear, the capacity framework within a cluster may increase. It is expressly provided that requests may be submitted that exceed the reported capacity supply in supply zones and for cross-cluster transports. These requests are reviewed by the network operators and may lead to a needs-based reassessment of the capacity supply as part of a case-by-case review. For cross-cluster transport, this could reduce the clearing price or even eliminate it entirely if all requests for the same hour can be fulfilled.

Capacities can now be reserved on the basis of a model contract agreed within the industry using a standardised application form. The form is available on the website of the hydrogen core network operator responsible for the respective entry or exit points. In the first step, reservations will be based on the network and capacity structures for the years 2026 to 2030 listed in the market information package. The capacity and cluster developments for the following years will be published subsequently by the hydrogen core network operators, taking into account the gas and hydrogen network development plan. With the start of the capacity reservation process, the hydrogen core network operators are providing an important impetus for cross-border hydrogen transport and the market ramp-up in Germany. It creates a reliable framework for the development of supply chains and long-term investment planning in the European hydrogen market.

Please note: The capacities published in Market Information Package 2 represent the initial capacity framework based on the infrastructure to be commissioned between 2026 and 2029. This provides the foundation for a hydrogen ramp-up in all areas already connected to the core hydrogen network. The capacity framework was determined using conservative assumptions due to the distribution and location of capacity requirements being unknown in advance. As the market develops and the specific location of demand becomes clear, the capacity framework within a cluster may increase. It is expressly provided that requests may be submitted that exceed the reported capacity supply in supply zones and for cross-cluster transports. These requests are reviewed by the network operators and may lead to a needs-based reassessment of the capacity supply as part of a case-by-case review. For cross-cluster transport, this could reduce the clearing price or even eliminate it entirely if all requests for the same hour can be fulfilled.

Source:  Hydrogencentral