Environmental investigations begin for German 120km hydrogen pipeline

Pre-environmental impact assessment surveys have begun along the route of Gascade’s Eastern Germany Hybor pipeline, setting the stage for planning permissions.

The investigations – which include the mapping of vegetation and wildlife along the pipe’s path – were launched at some segments in late 2025 and are now underway in all affected areas.

Results will be incorporated into planning applications for the approval process, planned for 2027.

The German transmission system operator (TSO) aims to repurpose 120km of existing gas infrastructure for the Hybor pipe. Scheduled for completion in 2029, it will trace a course from Bobbau in Saxony-Anhalt, flowing South to Rückersdorf.

Gascade completed the of natural gas pipelines from Lubmin in Babbau to carry hydrogen in December last year.

The TSO is also hosting a set of public information events around the construction of the next 150km stretch in communities along the route.

Forming part of Germany’s 9,000km core hydrogen network – due to connect major hydrogen production and import clusters with consuming regions – Hybor would further advance the country’s hydrogen transport infrastructure.

Western Europe’s web of pipelines has seen construction activity ramp up as TSOs, often backed by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility funding, equip the region to transport the molecule.

Belgian and Dutch gas operators Gasunie and Fluxys recently signed a targeting the connection of the country’s hydrogen infrastructures with multidirectional transport linking industrial clusters, ports, and production.