Following the highly successful launch of the reservation phase for hydrogen capacity, the hydrogen core network operators today are publishing a detailed overview of reserved capacities and current availabilities. This third market information package marks the start of a regular publication schedule.

“The high demand for transport capacity and the willingness to pay are a strong signal for the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. The distribution of reservations across large parts of the core network confirms that it has been planned in line with demand and underlines the concrete need for a high-performance hydrogen infrastructure,” said Barbara Fischer, Managing Director of FNB Gas.

As of the reference date of 23 July 2026, entry and exit capacities of just under 6 GW had been reserved on a paid basis across the clusters, representing a doubling compared with the last publication on 13 May 2026. Capacities totalling approximately 0.6 GW have been contractually reserved for cross-cluster transport (CÜT). A further 0.5 GW of capacity has been requested and is currently under review.

The excess demand process developed by the network operators was applied in several instances to meet demand that exceeded the initial capacity offer and has proven its worth. The network operators therefore explicitly invite requests for capacity exceeding the offer to continue to be submitted in future.

→ Full market information package

Demand for transport capacity in the future hydrogen core network has already exceeded network operators’ expectations shortly after the launch of the reservation phase. The strong market interest highlights the key role of the core network in supporting the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Germany.

→ Press release

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.

→ To the press release

The operators of the Hydrogen Core Network have published a new market information package outlining the development of Germany’s Hydrogen Core Network and the transport capacities expected to be available in the coming years.

The package provides detailed information on the planned network structure, including the development of clusters and supply zones, as well as the hydrogen transport capacities expected to be available between 2026 and 2030. It also explains the capacity reservation and marketing process.

From 19 March 2026, companies will be able to firmly reserve hydrogen transport capacities in the Hydrogen Core Network. These reservations will take place as part of a coordinated process among the Hydrogen Core Network operators, aiming to provide market participants with greater planning certainty while supporting the ramp-up of hydrogen infrastructure and related projects in Germany and across Europe.

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.

→ To the market information

→ To the press release

As part of developing the Hydrogen Cooperation Agreement, a standardized model contract for capacity reservations in the hydrogen core network has been agreed upon. On January 6, it was published by the participating associations BDEW, VKU, and GEODE. Standard contract for the reservation of hydrogen capacities published | BDEW

The hydrogen core network operators will provide further information on hydrogen pipelines, clusters, offering zones, and capacities in time for the start of reservation marketing.

The German hydrogen transmission system operators have designated Trading Hub Europe GmbH (THE) as Hydrogen Market Area Manager. This designation marks an important step toward the creation of a unified German hydrogen market area, building on THE’s long-standing experience as gas market area manager.

THE will now work closely with all relevant market participants to ensure an efficient implementation and to establish the required systems and processes by 1 January 2028.

Read the full press release here.

On 16th October 2025, Germany’s hydrogen core network operators revealed a new framework that allows market participants to secure transport capacity on the future hydrogen grid from 2026 onwards.

The document provides preliminary insights into the planned reservation process, regulatory framework, and upcoming milestones in developing Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure. The framework is closely coordinated with upcoming regulatory procedures (WaKandA, WasABi) and supports the development of standardised contracts, paving the way for a more integrated European hydrogen system.

• Read the full press release
• Download the Market Information Package (PDF)