AquaDuctus
On October 22, 2024, the Federal Network Agency approved the hydrogen core network. The hydrogen core network has a total length of 9,040 kilometers. AquaDuctus is the only pipeline project planned for the German North Sea, which also includes a further 100 kilometers on land. As a central component of the hydrogen core network, AquaDuctus forms the heart of an integrated European offshore hydrogen infrastructure.
As the “open access” pipeline, AquaDuctus will be a central project for the development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure in Germany and for Europe. As part of the AquaVentus initiative, it will form the heart of a future hydrogen pipeline infrastructure in the North Sea.
With its transport capacity of 20 gigawatts, the pipeline offers the opportunity to feed green hydrogen produced offshore directly into the hydrogen core network or the European Hydrogen Backbone. As an IPCEI-notified project (“important project of common European interest”), it will integrate not only Germany, but also countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Norway into a networked European offshore hydrogen pipeline system.
The aim of AquaDuctus is to efficiently transport hydrogen produced offshore from wind farms, including areas such as the German SEN zones, to the mainland. Demand centers, e.g. industrial production sites, and hydrogen storage facilities in Germany and other European member states can thus be served. The German offshore pipeline is essential to drive decarbonization, diversify energy sources and achieve the climate targets of Germany and the EU.
In view of its great potential to promote the integration of renewable energies, strengthen competition on the energy market and increase security of supply, AquaDuctus has logically been confirmed as a project of common interest (PCI) by the European Commission. This recognition establishes the project as a cornerstone of the future European hydrogen economy and sustainably strengthens the integration and stability of the energy market in the EU.