Stahlwerk Thüringen and the network operator Ferngas hereby announce their plans to connect the plant in Unterwellenborn to the H₂ network, probably from 2027. A memorandum of understanding was signed by both partners. For the planning and technical preparation of the connection to the H₂ network, the next concrete steps should be worked out in a timely manner.

“I very much welcome this cooperation. The Thuringian Ministry of Economics has already signaled to the Federal Ministry of Economics how important it is to connect the energy-intensive steelworks in Unterwellenborn to the planned H₂ core network. On the part of the state, we will also do everything we can to create the necessary framework conditions for a H₂ connection to the steelworks. After all, it is not least about securing the industrial jobs there,” said State Secretary for Economic Affairs Carsten Feller.

The steel mill in Thuringia has been focusing on the decarbonization of its products for a long time and already uses 100% regenerative electricity for its green steel. The decision to purchase green H₂ via the grid infrastructure in the future is another important step towards largely decarbonized steel production. The CO₂-free H₂ is to gradually replace the natural gas used in important production steps. At the beginning, H₂ should account for more than half of the previous volume of natural gas. As a result, the H₂ content is to be gradually increased. As in other energy-intensive processes that require high energy output together with large continuous amounts of energy, the use of H₂ plays a crucial role. An electrification of these process steps is only possible to a comparatively small extent according to the prior art. This requires technical conversions from natural gas operation to a natural gas-H₂ mix in the corresponding plants.

The cooperation shows the commitment of both companies to a sustainable and future-oriented industry. "Planning to connect our plant to the H₂ network is a milestone for us," said Alexander Stolze, Head of Purchasing and authorized signatory at Stahlwerk Thüringen GmbH. “We want to take the next step in the sustainable development of the steel industry and underline our leadership in the application of more environmentally friendly technologies. The connection to the H₂ network will maintain our competitiveness and strengthen the Thuringia steelworks as a center for low-emission steel production," Stolze continued.

Together with the other German transmission system operators, Ferngas published the current planning status for a H₂ core network on July 12, 2023, the H₂ highways in Germany, so to speak. At the same time, Ferngas, together with its customers, is already working on how the connections to these motorways can be implemented. The regions and customers that are not directly adjacent to this core network are also considered. Kevin George Greiling, head of network management at Ferngas, said, "The legislature must now quickly make it possible for this H₂ core network to be implemented. The connection of the steelworks to the H₂ infrastructure will also be the start of a H₂-Development of the whole region. A conversion of the line enables the sustainable supply of industry and heat supply in the city triangle. We are in good talks with other network users, not just this line."

Ferngas Netzgesellschaft mbH, based in Schwaig near Nuremberg and Erfurt, is planning to create the necessary infrastructure to transport the H₂ to the steelworks. Among other things, the conversion of an already existing approximately 70-kilometer-long natural gas pipeline from the Erfurt area to Unterwellenborn is planned. To be able to convert to H₂, Ferngas needs not only the approvals to be obtained and proof of suitability for H₂ operation, but also the regulatory framework from the legislature to be able to operate the H₂ lines.