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.

‘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,’ emphasises Barbara Fischer, Managing Director of FNB Gas.

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.

Here you will find the link to the form for submitting capacity reservation requests in the hydrogen core network (in German only).

Using the form, requests can be submitted for the following network point types:

Network point type that can be reserved via THE:

• Cross-cluster transport

Network point types that can be reserved via the hydrogen core network operators:

• Offtake point to end consumers
• Cross-border interconnection point
• H₂ terminal
• Domestic production facility
• Hydrogen storage facility

Please select the network point type that best fits your project and submit your request using the provided form. Binding requests can be submitted from 19 March 2026, 13:00 CET. Earlier requests will not be considered.

A Know Your Customer (KYC) check will be carried out in parallel with the processing of your request.