H2ercules Network North

H2ercules Network North connects hydrogen sources and import points along the North Sea coast and in the Netherlands with industrial consumption centers in the Ruhr region. The hydrogen is then transported to other regions of Germany via additional H2ercules sections.

The Wilhelmshaven Coastal Pipeline (WKL) and North Sea-Ruhr Link I, III, and V form the hydrogen pipeline system along the North Sea coast in the Wilhelmshaven region and from the German-Dutch border to the Münsterland region. These four newly constructed pipelines, with a total length of approximately 156 km, serve as a central component connecting the planned import infrastructure on the North Sea—including a H2 import terminal in Wilhelmshaven and the planned AquaDuctus pipeline—to the German hydrogen core network.

The pipeline sections Wettringen–Albachten, Albachten–Ascheberg, and Ascheberg–Werne (approximately 72 km in total), which are primarily converted from existing natural gas pipelines, are intended to extend the route beyond the Münsterland region. The newbuilt pipelines Neumühl–Werne and Werne–Hamm (approximately 110 km in total) will complete the approximately 338-km-long route to the western and eastern Ruhr region.

According to the annexes to the approved hydrogen core network, completion of the infrastructure is scheduled from October 22, 2024, through the end of 2032, with the commissioning of key sections already planned for as early as the end of 2027.

In addition to OGE, Gasunie Deutschland, GASCADE and Thyssengas H2 are also involved as operators on certain sections of H2ercules Network North.