Bun­desnet­za­gen­tur opens pub­lic con­sul­ta­tion on electricity and gas/hy­dro­gen sce­nario frame­works 2027-2040/2045

Year of issue 2026
Date of issue 2026.08.31

The Bundesnetzagentur has today opened a consultation on the draft scenario frameworks for electricity and for gas and hydrogen. The simultaneous consultation allows the possible developments to be considered together.

“The network operators in both sectors have already merged their assumptions in the drafts. This links the planning processes from the outset,” explained Klaus Müller, President of the Bundesnetzagentur. “I am already looking forward to the discussion with civil society, professional associations, companies and authorities in the weeks ahead.”

Range of possible developments

The target for 2045 in both scenario frameworks is a climate-neutral energy system in Germany. Scenario B (electricity) and scenario 2 (gas/H2) were submitted as a joint scenario.

In the electricity scenario framework, the transmission system operators (TSOs) look at three scenarios each for 2040 and 2045. In all scenarios the assumed capacity of the electrolysers is significantly lower than in the last scenario framework. As a result, the network operators assume in all scenarios that there is a significant dependency on hydrogen imports.

According to the network operators’ assumptions, the boom in data centre and grid energy storage projects will continue. It will lead to consistently higher power output and consumption in all scenarios compared with the previous scenario framework.

In the draft gas/hydrogen scenario framework, the hydrogen offtake capacities in scenarios 1 and 2 have remained at a similar level as in the last scenario framework. More significant changes were made in scenario 3. Here, higher natural gas capacities and lower hydrogen capacities were assumed for 2040 and 2045 compared with the 2025 scenario framework. For the first time, the network operators proposed a modelling variant for hydrogen for 2035 in addition to one for natural gas. It is closely aligned with notified requirements. Unlike in the 2025 scenario framework, biomethane was given significant weighting in the scenario development this time.

The draft scenario frameworks for electricity and for gas/hydrogen are related to each other in terms of content. However, they remain two independent planning procedures.

Consultation questionnaire and online information event

The Bundesnetzagentur is making the draft scenario frameworks available for public consultation. The drafts have been published on the Bundesnetzagentur’s website (www.bundesnetzagentur.de/1114474). An accompanying document that has also been published contains information about the specific topics on which the Bundesnetzagentur is hoping to receive specific information and comments during the consultation. Comments on the drafts can be submitted until 28 September 2026.

During the consultation period, the Bundesnetzagentur will hold an online information event on 10 September 2026 to discuss the draft scenario frameworks with the public. Registration for the event is now open .