Uckermark on alert: Gas flaring prepares hydrogen pipeline!

Uckermark on alert: Gas flaring prepares hydrogen pipeline!

In the past few days, the residents in the Uckermark near Angermünde have had to sit up and take notice: operator Gascade has started flaring leftover natural gas in order to equip the “Opal” pipeline for the upcoming use of hydrogen. The action initially caused confusion and alarm, as the fire brigade and residents thought there could have been a fire in a grain field or a combine harvester. But as rbb24 reports, flaring is a common and safe operational practice. The responsible offices were informed in advance.

The transition to hydrogen is part of Gascade's plan to integrate the Opal pipeline into a sustainable energy network. The pipeline will be part of the German hydrogen core network, which is to be expanded to an impressive length of 9,000 kilometers in the long term. The start of operations is scheduled for 2032, but a first section between the coast and central Germany is scheduled to go into operation as early as 2025. In Brandenburg, work on the pipeline began in February with the aim of preparing 400 kilometers for hydrogen use.

Progress on the hydrogen network

The first sections of the pipeline have already been successfully gassed with hydrogen, and this month it is the turn of more than 100 kilometers of the line in the Uckermark. Gascade emphasizes that the work is organized at high altitudes and away from forests and residential areas to ensure safety for both residents and nature. The work at Angermünde is scheduled to be completed next Wednesday.

But that is only part of the bigger picture: Gascade is also a member of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), an initiative of 33 transmission system operators. The aim of this initiative is to develop an integrated European hydrogen network that also contributes to decarbonization in the EU. At the same time, this will accelerate the market ramp-up for hydrogen, which could be crucial for the future energy supply in Europe. According to the Gascade website, work is being carried out to implement a hydrogen economy based on cross-country findings.

The EHB has already published a comprehensive study that provides insights into the status of existing hydrogen projects and highlights future market developments. The focus is on important aspects such as modeling the costs of converting existing networks. An updated Implementation Roadmap released in November 2023 highlights 40 specific projects managed by EHB members that are expected to be operational before 2030.

The switch to hydrogen could play a key role in the energy transition in Brandenburg and beyond. Gascade proves they have a knack for overcoming energy challenges while maintaining high safety standards for residents.