The operators of the hydrogen core network launched the joint reservation phase on March 19, 2026. Since then, numerous inquiries have been received from the market. The majority of these have already been approved and answered with a reservation offer. Further inquiries are currently being examined.

A network that doesn't wait for demand, but gets it

The figures illustrate the dynamism of the market. A total of 32 inquiries have been submitted so far. The requested entry and exit capacities in the clusters add up to around 2.9 gigawatts. In addition, there are capacities of up to around 0.6 gigawatts for the so-called cluster transition transport (CÜT). The earliest planned start of utilization is in 2027.

For the network operators, this shows that companies along the entire hydrogen value chain are no longer waiting for political frameworks to be established, but are instead announcing specific requirements. The development of an efficient transport infrastructure is a key prerequisite for investment in the production, import and industrial use of hydrogen.

"The fact that demand is already so high shortly after the launch clearly shows how important the core network is for the market ramp-up in Germany. Together, we are creating the basis for the development of supply chains and thus enabling long-term investment decisions in the H2 market," says Barbara Fischer, Managing Director of FNB Gas.

Examination in individual cases

The basis for processing the reservation requests are the capacities that the grid operators published in the second market information package on March 5. A structured review process with case-by-case assessment applies where the requested volumes exceed the previously published capacities.

According to the operators, this procedure has proved successful so far. All inquiries examined to date have been answered positively. Further information on the status of reservations will be published at a later date.