- H2 Energy and Ontras partner to transport green hydrogen from Denmark’s Esbjerg plant to vital industrial zones in Germany using existing and new infrastructure.
- The Esbjerg plant will produce 90,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, contributing to Germany’s growing demand, which is expected to reach 95-130 TWh by 2030.
- This cross-border collaboration supports Europe’s energy transition, repurposing traditional gas infrastructure to boost clean hydrogen transport.
H2 Energy Europe and German pipeline operator Ontras Gastransport GmbH have teamed up to study green hydrogen transport from Denmark to Germany. The project focuses on the upcoming 1 GW hydrogen plant in Esbjerg, Denmark, which will supply hydrogen to major German industrial zones, including Salzgitter, Berlin, Eisenhüttenstadt, Magdeburg, and Leipzig-Halle.
The agreement facilitates transport using existing and planned gas infrastructures, such as Germany’s hydrogen network and the Green Octopus Central Germany (GO!) pipeline. This initiative fits into Germany’s broader strategy to diversify its energy supply by tapping domestic and international clean energy sources.
H2 Energy and Ontras will define the technical and commercial requirements for hydrogen transport. They will then pursue a long-term capacity contract to ensure that Esbjerg’s hydrogen can flow into Germany’s gas grid, meeting the rising demand from industrial players.
Germany’s annual hydrogen demand could reach between 95 and 130 TWh by 2030. The Esbjerg plant aims to produce around 90,000 tonnes of green hydrogen each year, contributing significantly to that demand. As Germany expects to import 50-70% of its hydrogen needs, the connection of Esbjerg’s production to Ontras’ gas network will play a crucial role.
Germany continues to increase investments in hydrogen infrastructure to cut dependence on fossil fuels. This project is a vital part of its efforts to integrate hydrogen into the energy system, improving clean energy transport across the country’s industrial regions. The partnership between H2 Energy and Ontras will leverage Ontras’ existing pipelines and new builds, like the GO! Pipeline to enhance hydrogen transport.
The Esbjerg-GO! project showcases Europe’s plan to link energy networks, ensuring supply security while cutting costs. This cross-border collaboration sets a precedent for future hydrogen projects, furthering Europe’s clean energy objectives.
The gas industry supports the transition toward renewable energy by repurposing existing gas networks. Collaborations like this highlight how fossil fuel infrastructure can adapt to facilitate green hydrogen transport, speeding up the energy shift.
The H2 Energy and Ontras collaboration significantly affects Europe’s energy market. As hydrogen infrastructure expands across the continent, similar partnerships will likely encourage the development of a unified European hydrogen market. This project meets industrial needs and strengthens international cooperation in clean energy by integrating Esbjerg’s hydrogen output into Germany’s network.
As Europe pushes to hit its climate goals, hydrogen plays an increasingly important role in the energy transition. Projects like the Esbjerg-GO! Pipelines represent critical steps toward a sustainable energy future, and this partnership could inspire further collaborations across the region.