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The scenario framework for the gas and hydrogen NDP 2025-2037/2045 was assessed by the Bundesnetzagentur and approved, with changes, on 30 April 2025. The gas transmission system operators (TSOs) and regulated hydrogen transmission network operators can now develop the first draft of the gas and hydrogen NDP 2025-2037/2045 on this basis.
Gas and hydrogen scenario framework 2025-2037/2045
The Coordination Office for Integrated Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Planning (KO.NEP) presented the scenario framework for the gas and hydrogen NDP 2025-2037/2045 in summer 2024.
The Bundesnetzagentur held a consultation on it, along with the electricity scenario framework, from 2 to 30 September 2024. It received 65 responses on the gas and hydrogen scenario framework.
The scenario framework was then assessed with a view to the energy policy goals and in the interests of ensuring that all parties were working on a common basis.
A wide range of possible developments towards decarbonisation are now shown in the scenarios amended by the Bundesnetzagentur in its approval. Three scenarios each are looked at for 2037 and 2045. An additional scenario in the gas and hydrogen scenario framework refers to the year 2030 as a target year on the transmission away from natural gas.
For the first time, the scenario frameworks contain shared, overarching assumptions – on the sites of power plants and electrolysers, for example – that can be used for consistent network development planning for both the electricity transmission system and the gas and hydrogen network.
Approval of the gas and hydrogen scenario framework 2025-2037/45
Annex 1: power plant site list
Annex 2: consolidated electrolyser list
Draft submitted
Entwurf Szenariorahmen Gas/Wasserstoff 2025-2037/2045 (PDF / 8 MB)
Draft Scenario Framework Gas and Hydrogen 2025-2037/2045 (PDF / 6 MB)
Annex 2: results of the market survey for hydrogen projects, incl power-to-gas plants (in German) (xlsx/1 MB)
Annex 3: gas-fired power plant list (in German) (xlsx/181 KB)
Annex 4: long-term forecasts for hydrogen and methane-reducing reports from distribution system operators (in German) (xlsx/258 KB)
Process
The Energy Industry Act (EnWG) requires the gas transmission system operators (gas TSOs) and the regulated operators of hydrogen transmission networks to draw up a joint nationwide network development plan (NDP) for gas and hydrogen every two years.
The plan must include all effective measures for the needs-based and efficient optimisation, reinforcement and expansion of the networks required for safe and reliable network operation by the end of the respective reference periods.
The reference periods last between 10 and 15 years. The implementation of the federal government’s climate policy objectives and security of supply must be taken into account. The year 2045 is also the subject of assessment.
Legal basis: section 15a et seq EnWG
Phase 1: Scenario framework
At the beginning of the process the TSOs and the regulated hydrogen transmission network operators work together to design a scenario framework.
They have to come up with at least three scenarios that reflect the likely developments in the gas and hydrogen sector within the framework of the federal government's climate and energy policy objectives for the next 10 to 15 years.
Assumptions are made in this process regarding such things as:
- the development of gas and hydrogen production, generation, supply and consumption;
- planned investment in the networks and storage facilities;
- possible supply disruptions.
Three more scenarios must look at the year 2045 and show a range of probable developments that are aligned with the federal government's legally defined objectives and other climate and energy policy goals.
Submitting the scenario framework to the Coordination Office
The TSOs and regulated operators of hydrogen transmission networks submit the draft scenario framework to the Coordination Office, which then submits the draft to the Bundesnetzagentur no later than 30 June of every even-numbered year for approval.
Consultation by the Bundesnetzagentur
The Bundesnetzagentur gives the public (including actual or potential system users and affected network operators) the opportunity to comment prior to approval.
Approval by the Bundesnetzagentur
The Bundesnetzagentur assesses and approves the scenario framework, taking account of the responses to the public consultation.
Phase 2: Network Development Plan
Next, the NDP itself is developed: the gas TSOs and the regulated hydrogen transmission network operators use the scenario framework to model the network expansion requirements for the next 10 to 15 years.
The resulting model includes all effective measures for the needs-based and efficient optimisation, reinforcement and expansion of the networks required for safe and reliable network operation in the respective reference periods. Converting existing pipeline infrastructure to hydrogen takes priority over building new pipelines.
In coordination with the gas distribution system operators, operators of hydrogen network other than transmission networks and operators of other pipeline infrastructure that can be converted to hydrogen, the gas TSOs and the regulated hydrogen transmission network operators propose one or more undertakings to be responsible for implementing each measure.
Submitting the NDP to the Coordination Office
In every odd-numbered calendar year the gas TSOs and the regulated hydrogen transmission network operators draw up a draft NDP and submit it to the Coordination Office.
Public consultation
Until 31 May in each odd-numbered calendar year the Coordination Office gives the public the opportunity to comment on the draft NDP before it is submitted to the Bundesnetzagentur. The necessary information is provided (in German) on the website of the Coordination Office for Integrated Gas and Hydrogen Network Development Planning.
Submitting the revised draft NDP to the Bundesnetzagentur
Following the consultation the draft NDP is revised. The Coordination Office then submits the revised draft NDP to the Bundesnetzagentur for confirmation immediately upon completion but no later than 10 months after approval of the scenario framework.
Second public consultation and confirmation
Taking into account the responses from the public, the Bundesnetzagentur then reviews the revised draft and confirms it no later than 30 June of every even-numbered calendar year.
Koordinierungsstelle Netzentwicklungsplanung Gas und Wasserstoff
Das EnWG schreibt eine Koordinierungsstelle vor. Die FNB und die regulierten Betreiber von Wasserstofftransportnetzen haben sie eingerichtet.
Diese übernimmt folgende Aufgaben:
- Koordinierung der Erarbeitung des Szenariorahmens nach § 15b Abs. 1 EnWG
- Vorlage des Entwurfs des Szenariorahmens nach § 15b Abs. 4 S. 1 EnWG zur Genehmigung durch die Bundesnetzagentur
- Koordinierung der Erstellung des Netzentwicklungsplans Gas und Wasserstoff nach § 15c Abs. 1 EnWG und
- Vorlage des Entwurfs des Netzentwicklungsplans Gas und Wasserstoff nach § 15c Abs. 5 S. 1 EnWG zur Bestätigung durch die Bundesnetzagentur
Coordination Office for the gas and hydrogen NDP
The EnWG requires a coordination office, which has been set up by the gas TSOs and the regulated operators of hydrogen transmission networks.
The office performs the following tasks:
- coordinating the development of the scenario framework in accordance with section 15b(1) EnWG;
- submitting the draft scenario framework pursuant to section 15b(4) sentence 1 EnWG for approval by the Bundesnetzagentur;
- coordinating the creation of the gas and hydrogen NDP according to section 15c(1) EnWG;
- submitting the draft NDP pursuant to section 15c(5) sentence 1 EnWG for confirmation by the Bundesnetzagentur.
Additionally, the network code on capacity allocation mechanisms (CAM NC) specifies an incremental capacity process for the market-based determination of the demand for and, if necessary, creation of additional capacity at cross-border interconnection points. The TSOs use the results of the process as a sound basis for determining the demand for network expansion.
Archive
Gas Network Development Plans 2012-2022
