Chemnitz, Germany, has received over €30.3 million, or $33 million, in European Union funding so as to help create for hydrogen pipeline and storage projects as the city gets ready to connect with the future hydrogen core network of Germany.

The funding for hydrogen pipeline and storage projects, which was allocated via the EU’s Just Transition Fund, comprises €20.7 million in terms of hydrogen infrastructure projects and €9.6 million for solar generation along with a battery storage project at the Galgenberg Energy Park.

As a matter of fact, the hydrogen initiative is going to make Chemnitz suitable for connection to the proposed hydrogen backbone network in Germany. The project covers conversion of the present natural gas pipelines into hydrogen service, the construction of additional hydrogen transmission pipelines, development when it comes to transfer stations east of Freiberg, as well as installation of control stations located in Oederan-Hartha.

Ultimately, the planned connection is going to link Chemnitz to the OPAL pipeline system, which is set to be integrated into the German national hydrogen network as early as the 2030s. The infrastructure is designed to support regional hydrogen consumption while at the same time helping to decarbonize industrial operations as well as district heating systems within the region, the project developers stated.

Construction should be wrapped up in 2029. Overall investment in the hydrogen project is projected at around €29.6 million.

In addition, the Galgenberg Energy Park project will include a 15-MW solar plant along with a 15-MW battery energy storage system, which has a capacity of 30 MWh of electricity. The facility is anticipated to be operational in 2028 and produce about 15 million kWh of electricity each year.

According to the chairman of the executive board of eins energie in sachsen, Roland Warner, the hydrogen connection will supply companies and industrial customers within the region with greater planning certainty.