Stahlwerk Thüringen plans to connect its plant to the regional hydrogen pipeline network

Both partners have signed a memorandum of understanding.

Last month, Ferngas, together with other German transmission system operators, published the current planning status for a hydrogen grid, which forms the basis for what it calls "hydrogen motorways in Germany".

The company is currently working with its customers on how connections to these "motorways" can be realised. Ferngas emphasises that regions and customers that are not directly adjacent to this grid are also being taken into account.

Ferngas, headquartered in Schwaig near Nuremberg and Erfurt, plans to build the necessary infrastructure to transport hydrogen to the steelworks. One of the plans is to convert an existing natural gas pipeline of around 70 kilometres from the Erfurt area to Unterwellenborn. In order for Ferngas to realise the conversion to hydrogen, permits must be obtained, a feasibility study must be carried out and a regulatory framework for the operation of hydrogen pipelines must be provided by the government.