H₂ PCI projects

H2ercules Network
South-West

Last updated: 30 September 2026

Provided information is based on the Hydrogen Core Network as approved on 22 October 2024 by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). However, they are subject to review within the Network Development Plan (NDP) process.

Schematic representation of the pathway

H2ercules Network South-West connects industrial consumption center in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg as well as the entire German hydrogen core network with the planned hydrogen infrastructure in France. This way, the project enables future hydrogen imports from France, the Iberian Peninsula and potentially North Africa.

The project includes the pipeline sections Medelsheim–Mittelbrunn, Mittelbrunn–Gernsheim, Gernsheim-North–Gernsheim-South, Rüsselsheim–Lampertheim, Birlinghoven–Rüsselsheim, Gernsheim, and Wiesbaden–Frankfurt.

The hydrogen pipeline system from the interconnection point Medelsheim at the German-French border to the industrial clusters in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg mainly consists of natural gas pipelines that will be converted for hydrogen transport (about 207 km) along with a 4 km new pipeline in Gernsheim. Additionally, a 15 km new pipeline between Wiesbaden and Frankfurt completes the project and provides the connection to the Frankfurt area.

All pipeline sections, which are approximately 226 km long in total, are scheduled to become operational by 2032. Project partner in addition to OGE is NaTran Deutschland. OGE and NaTran Deutschland are both shareholders of MEGAL.