Green light for HH-WIN: Important milestone reached for Hamburg's hydrogen connection
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Supply & disposal
Hamburg, October 28, 2025 – The development of green energy infrastructure in the Hanseatic city is gaining momentum. Hamburg Energy Networks, together with the permitting authority BUKEA, successfully completed the planning approval process for the approximately 13-kilometer-long southern section of the Hamburg Hydrogen Industry Network project (WIN) within just one year. This section is essential, as it connects the Moorburg site – the heart of the future Hamburg Green Hydrogen Hub – to the emerging North German hydrogen cluster via a high-pressure pipeline.
Efficient Use of Existing Infrastructure
The project exemplifies how sustainable infrastructure conversion works: Of the 13 kilometers of pipeline route, 7.5 kilometers will be realized by repurposing an existing natural gas pipeline; only four kilometers need to be newly constructed within Hamburg's city limits. This not only saved time during the approval process but also, through a plan amendment, protected the forested areas in the Haake State Forest. Michael Dammann, Technical Director of Hamburger Energienetze (Hamburg Energy Networks), praised the swift and technically sound collaboration with the authorities as the foundation for this success.
A Powerful Backbone for Industry
With a diameter of half a meter and an operating pressure of up to 70 bar, the new pipeline is a powerful artery for Hamburg's economy. It can transport over one million cubic meters of hydrogen per hour. Senator Katharina Fegebank emphasized the strategic dimension: "With the connection to the supra-regional core network, Hamburg will not only be able to transport imported hydrogen from 2027 onwards, but also diversify its own supply and create new opportunities for a climate-neutral industry."
Massive CO2 Savings as a Goal
The expansion of the HH-WIN pipeline is a key lever for achieving Hamburg's climate goals. With the planned expansion of the network to 60 kilometers by 2031, planners predict a CO2 reduction of around 1.4 million tons per year. HGV supports its subsidiaries in implementing these transformation projects in a financially strong and efficient manner, in order to make Hamburg a future-proof and climate-neutral location.
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