Capacity Reservation Hydrogen Core Network

As of 19 March 2026

To further support the ramp-up of the hydrogen market, the operators of the hydrogen core network launched a coordinated process for reserving initial capacities for the hydrogen core network on 19 March 2026. More detailed information can be found in the files Market Information Package 1 and 2 available for download below. Companies will thus be able to secure the entry and exit capacities required for their supply relationships at an early stage. The basis for the reservation is formed by the network and capacity structures for the years 2026 to 2030, published in the first step in the Market Information Package. The capacities indicated in Market Information Package 2 represent the initial capacity framework based on the infrastructure commissioned between 2026 and 2029. This provides the foundation for a hydrogen ramp-up in all areas already connected to the hydrogen core network. The capacity framework was determined under conservative assumptions due to the distribution and location of capacity requirements being unknown in advance. In the course of market development and the specific localisation of demand, the capacity framework within a cluster may increase. It is therefore expressly intended and desired that requests be submitted which exceed the indicated capacity offer in supply zones and for cross-cluster transports. These requests will be reviewed by the network operators and may, in the course of individual case reviews, lead to a demand-driven reassessment of the capacity offer. For cross-cluster transports, this could result in a reduction of the clearing price or even its elimination, should all requests within the same time slot be fulfillable. The hydrogen core network operators will publish capacity and cluster developments for subsequent years taking into account the Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Plan. Capacities can be requested via a standardised form and reserved on the basis of a model contract agreed upon across the industry: Request Form (Please make sure to read the notes provided below!) After submitting the capacity request via the request form, a review will be carried out. If the review is successful, the reservation must be formally agreed upon between the hydrogen core network operator and the applicant by concluding the model contract.

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Requests can be submitted via the Request Form for the following network point types: Network point type that can be reserved with THE:

• Cross-cluster Transport (CÜT)

Network point types that can be reserved with the hydrogen core network operators (WKNB):

• Offtake point to end consumers (NAP)
• Border transfer point (GÜP)
• H₂ Terminal
• Domestic production facility
• Hydrogen storage facility

Please select the network point type appropriate for your project and submit your request via the provided Request Form. A Know-Your-Customer check (KYC check) will be carried out in parallel with the processing of the request.

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Nowega charges a reservation fee for the reservation. Dieses beträgt €0.50 per reserved kWh/h per year (kWh/h/a). Further details can be found in the model contract. Files for Download:

Market Information Package 1 (DE) (dated 16 October 2025)

Market Information Package 2 (DE) (dated 5 March 2026)

Market Information Package 2 (EN) (dated 5 March 2026)

Request Form – Capacity Reservation

Model Contract – Capacity Reservation

You can also find the press releases from 19 March 2026 here:

19.03.2026_PM_Start der Reservierung von Wasserstoff-Transport_DE

19.03.2026_PressRelease_Reservation of hydrogen transport capacities starts