Uckermark in alarm: Gas torching prepares hydrogen pipeline!

Uckermark in alarm: Gas torching prepares hydrogen pipeline!

In the past few days, the residents in the Uckermark near Angermünde have had to take notice: Operator Gascade has started to use the "opal" pipeline for the upcoming use of hydrogen. The campaign initially caused confusion and alarm mood, since the fire brigade and residents thought that there could have been a fire of a grain field or a combine harder. But as the rbb24 reports, torching is a common and safe operational practice. The responsible offices were informed in advance.

The switch to hydrogen is part of the plan of Gascade to integrate the opal pipeline into a network for sustainable energy supply. The pipeline will be part of the German hydrogen kernel network, which is to be expanded in the long term to an impressive length of 9,000 kilometers. The start of the company is planned for 2032, but a first section between the coast and Central Germany should go into operation in 2025. In Brandenburg, work on the pipeline began in February, with the aim of preparing 400 kilometers for hydrogen use.

progress in the hydrogen network

The first sections of the pipeline have already been successfully granted with hydrogen, and this month it is more than 100 kilometers of the line in the Uckermark. GASCADE emphasizes that the work at high altitude and far from forests and residential areas are organized to ensure security for both the residents and nature. The work at Angermünde should be completed next Wednesday.

But that's just a part of the larger whole: Gascade is also a member of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), an initiative of 33 remote control operators. The aim of this initiative is the development of an integrated European hydrogen network that also contributes to decarbonization in the EU. At the same time, the market stroke for hydrogen is accelerated, which could be of crucial importance for future energy supply in Europe. According to the GASCADE website, the implementation of a hydrogen economy is worked on based on cross -country knowledge.

The EHB has already published a comprehensive study that gives insights into the status of existing hydrogen projects and illuminates future market developments. Important aspects such as the modeling on the costs of the changeover of existing networks are the focus. An updated implementation Roadmap, which was released in November 2023, emphasizes 40 concrete projects that are managed by EHB members and are expected to go into operation before 2030.

The switch to hydrogen could play a key role in the energy transition in Brandenburg and beyond. GASCADE proves that you have a good hand to master the challenges in energy supply and at the same time to keep the security standards up for the residents.