We are on the threshold of a new era in energy supply – a future with hydrogen. A secure supply requires strategic partnerships, new approaches to generation and a modern infrastructure. At EnBW, we are among the pioneers and drivers of the H₂ future, using our expertise and experience to help turn the energy future into reality.
Öhringen: up to 100 percent hydrogen in the gas grid
Hydrogen in the natural gas grid – is it possible? Yes.
With the “Hydrogen Island Öhringen” and “Netzlabor H2-100” projects, we tested this from November 2021 to April 2025. Initially, 30 percent hydrogen was injected into a local section of the natural gas grid. The proportion was then gradually increased. Even at 100 percent hydrogen, safe and reliable operation of the gas grid is possible.
Building the hydrogen economy is a monumental task. We are driving the transition at all levels – from generation and transportation to storage and distribution. We have also set ourselves ambitious targets for our own power plants and plan to switch operations to hydrogen by the mid-2030s.
Wind farms and solar parks repeatedly have to be shut down when too much electricity is generated at the same time. Electrolyzers convert green electricity and water into green hydrogen. This allows energy to be stored during generation peaks and transported to wherever it is needed.
Overall, the potential of renewable energies in Germany will not be sufficient to meet the emerging demand through domestic hydrogen production. Imports will therefore play a key role in meeting hydrogen demand – with an import share of 50–70% as per the national hydrogen strategy in 2030. To ensure security of supply, various countries of origin and import routes are being considered.
The hydrogen core network transports hydrogen over long distances to where it is needed. Our subsidiaries terranets bw and ONTRAS are driving its expansion. At the same time, a high-performance, demand-oriented H₂ infrastructure is also required at the distribution grid level. Our distribution system operators, such as Netze BW, are preparing this transformation and planning the infrastructure required for the energy source of the future.
Large-scale storage facilities in underground salt caverns are an important part of the hydrogen infrastructure. The demand for H2 storage in Germany will rise because it is a reliable way of covering fluctuating energy needs. We will therefore eventually need to create new storage capacity and repurpose existing storage facilities.
Hydrogen is highly versatile. In the future, for example, it is expected to heat blast furnaces and serve as a raw material for industry. Hydrogen will also play an important role in generating electricity and heating, especially when the sun is not shining and there is little wind. We are gearing up for the energy source of the future here with our fuel switch projects.
As an infrastructure provider, we have already launched numerous regional and local hydrogen projects and real-world laboratories – from offshore production to hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plants. This is how we are actively shaping the development of the national hydrogen market.
Source: EnBW, FNB Gas