Saxony-Anhalt: Hydrogen core network picks up speed

The development of the hydrogen core network in eastern Germany is progressing. "In Saxony-Anhalt, an important major project for the construction of the hydrogen core network is now being implemented," announced the state's Ministry of Energy. Energy Minister Armin Willingmann (SPD), together with the Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics, Michael Kellner (Greens), handed over a decision for the "Green Octopus Central Germany" project to the Leipzig-based transmission system operator Ontras in Leuna (Saale district).

A total of around 300 kilometers of pipelines

"Saxony-Anhalt will develop into an important powerhouse of the sustainable hydrogen economy in Germany in the coming years," said Willingmann. The project is of outstanding importance for the development of the necessary infrastructure. "Green Octopus" will not only connect the regions of Leipzig-Halle, Magdeburg and the Salzgitter steel region, but also integrate the future hydrogen storage facility in Bad Lauchstädt.

The project comprises a total of around 300 kilometers of pipelines, of which around 200 kilometers run through Saxony-Anhalt. One pipeline will run from Bad Lauchstädt via the Magdeburger Börde westwards into the Helmstedt district to the Salzgitter steelworks, where it will connect to the core network to the west. Two further lines will run to Leipzig.

"Green Octopus": transition to a climate-neutral economy

The total investment for the line section in Saxony-Anhalt amounts to 83 million euros. The federal and state governments are jointly funding "Green Octopus" with around 61 million euros: 70 percent, around 43 million euros, comes from the federal government, while the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Energy is contributing the remaining 30 percent, around 18 million euros.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the potential of the climate-neutral hydrogen economy in Saxony-Anhalt is enormous: the development of production, storage and transport capacities as well as the further expansion of renewable energies could create around 27,000 new jobs across the state by 2045, it said. This is according to a study by the Cologne-based energy research institute r2b Energy Consulting. The study also predicts additional annual added value of 1.5 billion euros.