In the study, EWI analyses the impacts of a growing hydrogen economy on a future transport network in Eastern Germany. The study was commissioned by Gascade Gastransport GmbH.
Hydrogen penetration rates in the different sectors have a great impact on pipeline-based transport infrastructure. Our analysis shows that in the case of far-reaching use, a hydrogen deficit of 54 TWh could arise in Eastern Germany by 2045 – to which 48 TWh of transit demand could be added. This would require extensive conversions from natural gas to hydrogen pipelines and the construction of new pipelines. A predominant electrification of energy consumption, on the other hand, would lead to a future transport network of significantly smaller scale. Further advantages, such as increased security of supply and cost efficiency, can be provided by electricity-independent production technologies, which could allow Eastern Germany to become a net exporter of hydrogen as early as 2030.
