Hydrogen market information
Hydrogen core network: Start of capacity reservations on March 19, 2026
With the second market information package, the hydrogen core network operators are setting a key milestone for planning security and the ramp-up of the hydrogen market in Germany and Europe.
From the start of marketing on March 19, 2026, your company will be able to reserve entry and exit capacities in the hydrogen core network up to seven years in advance for the first time. This creates an essential prerequisite for hydrogen projects, supply relationships, and long-term investments.
The process, coordinated across all hydrogen core network operators, is based on the newly published market information package (see download), which describes, among other things, cluster/capacity development in the period 2026-2030 and the specific inquiry and reservation process.
Development of clusters, supply zones, and capacities
The hydrogen core network and capacity supply are growing gradually from regional clusters to the core network. Within the clusters, market participants can reserve freely allocable fixed hydrogen capacities (German short: FWK) at points in a supply zone. The supply zone concept was published on October 16, 2025, and enables the highest possible, flexible, and demand-oriented capacity supply within the clusters.
The development of the clusters and supply zones over time is shown in the following graphs:
31 December 2025
31 December 2026
31 December 2027
31 December 2028
31 December 2029
Approved target core network
The capacities published in Market Information Package 2 represent the initial capacity framework based on the infrastructure to be commissioned between 2026 and 2029. This provides the foundation for a hydrogen ramp-up in all areas already connected to the core hydrogen network.
The capacity framework was determined using conservative assumptions due to the distribution and location of capacity requirements being unknown in advance. As the market develops and the specific location of demand becomes clear, the capacity framework within a cluster may increase.
It is expressly provided that requests may be submitted that exceed the reported capacity supply in supply zones and for cross-cluster transports. These requests are reviewed by the network operators and may lead to a needs-based reassessment of the capacity supply as part of a case-by-case review.
For cross-cluster transport, this could reduce the clearing price or even eliminate it entirely if all requests for the same hour can be fulfilled.
Further information on the cluster maps and detailed data on capacities and supply zones can be found in the market information package.
How to reserve capacity
With the uniform marketing start on March 19, 2026, you can submit your reservation requests to your responsible hydrogen core network operator. To ensure an efficient and non-discriminatory request process, the hydrogen core network operators have developed a standardized request form for reserving capacity.
In addition to reservations within a cluster, so-called cluster transfer transport (German short: CÜT) will also be available for reservation to enable transport within the Germany-wide hydrogen market area . A “CÜT” always occurs when two clusters merge but are not free of flow bottlenecks. One of the prerequisites for a “CÜT” reservation contract is the submission of a reservation for the corresponding amount in the source and target clusters.
The form can be used to submit a request for the following grid point types:
- Grid point types that can be reserved with Hydrogen Core Network Operators (German Sort: WKNB):
- Exit point to end consumers (German short: NAP)
- Cross-border interconnection point (German short: GÜP)
- Hydrogen terminal
- Production plant
- Hydrogen storage facility
- Grid point type that can be reserved with THE:
- Cross-cluster transport
Reservations are allocated in the order in which requests are received (FCFS).
Your next steps for capacity reservation:
Reservation fee
As the hydrogen core network operator, OGE will reserve the capacity for you at the network point for the duration of the reservation period after a positive review and signed reservation agreement. In return, you agree to pay a reservation fee for the duration of the reservation period. The reservation fee payable to OGE will be credited against the subsequent fee payable to the hydrogen network operator OGE after the capacity has been firmly booked.
The reservation fee is €1/kWh/h/a.
Downloads and links
All the information you need for the reservation can be found in the following downloads and links:
Market information
Contracts
The model contracts for hydrogen capacity reservation and cross-cluster transport reservation, as well as the concept for the allocation and use of cross-cluster transport, are available on the BDEW website (only in German).
Press release
