Germany's hydrogen core network operators have announced a significant advancement for the hydrogen economy by publishing guidelines for capacity reservations effective from early 2026.
This framework allows market participants to make binding reservations for entry and exit points within dedicated network clusters, providing much-needed planning security and helping accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure across Germany.
Initially, these reservations will convert into capacity bookings, enabling flexible use of reserved hydrogen transport through both firm and freely allocable capacities within clusters and between them.
The operators are aligning with European counterparts on these processes and integrating forthcoming regulatory frameworks, including determination procedures from the Federal Network Agency such as WaKandA and WasABi, into standard contracts. This initiative not only sends a strong market signal for hydrogen ramp-up in Germany but also facilitates cross-border hydrogen transport, boosting the regional hydrogen economy.
Market participants can expect further details and opportunities to reserve capacity points in clusters, covering vital infrastructure connections like electrolysers, consumption facilities and interconnections to neighbouring markets. This will lay the groundwork for an interconnected, scalable hydrogen market that supports Germany’s energy transition goals and broader European integration.
