Connection of Stadtwerke Elbtal to the hydrogen core network

With the approval of the hydrogen core network by the Federal Network Agency, SachsenNetze's projects have also been confirmed. Both the Dresden/Meißen region and the Meißen industrial arc will be integrated into the nationwide hydrogen core network. This is good news for the customers of Stadtwerke Elbtal. This is because the connection of Stadtwerke Elbtal via the SachsenNetze pipeline makes the planned conversion of the gas network to hydrogen possible.

Feasibility studies as sound preparations for infrastructure development

SachsenNetze has been working on the transformation of the gas network for several years. Intensive work on the energy supply concept for the Meißen industrial arc has been underway since 2021. The integration of the Dresden/Meißen region into the hydrogen network is also part of a feasibility study that ONTRAS and SachsenNetze finalised in February 2024. The study now forms a sound basis for subsequent planning steps and strategic decisions for the successful implementation of a hydrogen network in the northern area of Dresden and the surrounding municipalities.

Only with the approval now granted by the Federal Network Agency for SachsenNetze's projects for the hydrogen core network can the planning be taken further to the approval stage, which will be followed by the construction phase.

Gradual conversion of the regional distribution grids in the period from 2032 to 2045

"From 2032 to 2045, we are planning to gradually convert the regional distribution grids to hydrogen," says Dr Jörg Dickert, Head of Asset Management Gas at SachsenNetze, looking to the future. This is because greater planning and economic efficiency can be achieved if the surrounding distribution grids are also converted in a coordinated manner during the conversion of major customers. The planned completion of the hydrogen core network, including CoswigDresden, is scheduled for 2032.

Gas distribution networks converted to hydrogen will be an important pillar for the decarbonisation of the heat supply in the region. The inclusion of hydrogen in municipal heating planning also creates additional synergies and supports a resilient energy supply.