German energy network coordinators presented the first integrated development plan for the nation’s gas and hydrogen infrastructure, proposing billions of euros in new pipeline investments to bridge the gap between methane reliance and a climate-neutral future.

The draft Network Development Plan (NEP) 2025, released by the Coordination Office for Integrated Network Development Planning (KO.NEP), outlines a massive expansion of the country’s energy arteries. 

By 2037, the proposal calls for the construction of 7,007 kilometres (4,354 miles) of hydrogen pipelines at a cost of approximately 20.1 billion euros ($21.8 billion).

The plan also includes 364 kilometres of new methane pipelines, requiring an investment of 2.9 billion euros.

"The joint consideration of gas and hydrogen as energy sources is of crucial importance for the transition to climate neutrality," said Barbara Fischer, managing director of FNB Gas. 

She noted that more than 500 kilometres of the previously approved hydrogen core network were already completed by the end of 2025.

The integration follows the 2024 amendments to the Energy Industry Act, requiring operators to plan methane and hydrogen networks simultaneously. 

While the hydrogen core network remains largely unchanged from earlier iterations, operators have adjusted timelines and technical specifications to account for market uncertainties and planning delays.

Despite the ambitious technical roadmap, industry leaders expressed concern over the pace of the transition. 

FNB Gas CEO Matthias Jenn warned of a "hesitant" market ramp-up that could threaten the financial amortization of these massive infrastructure projects.

"The risk disposition of the core grid operators is increasing," Jenn said, calling on policymakers to introduce supporting measures to solve the "chicken and egg" problem of hydrogen supply and demand.

The proposal is currently in a public consultation phase running through March 27. A revised draft, incorporating modeling results for the year 2045 and market-based instruments, is expected to be submitted to the Federal Network Agency for final approval in mid-2026.