
Ready for the hydrogen ramp-up: network operators publish reservation concept
The operators of the German hydrogen core network have today published key information for the market, paving the way for the reservation of hydrogen capacities from the beginning of 2026. This provides market participants with early planning security and sends a clear signal for the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Germany.
Based on the reservation concept, it will be possible to make binding reservations for injection and withdrawal capacities for hydrogen deliveries – an important step towards greater security for hydrogen projects. The reservation will later be replaced by a capacity booking. In the initial phase, marketing will take place within so-called clusters, with fixed, freely allocable hydrogen capacities enabling flexible use. Transport between clusters will also be possible.
With the publication of the key points of the reservation process, the German hydrogen core network operators are joining the approach of their European partners, who are also launching corresponding network user processes. The regulatory basis – including the Federal Network Agency’s determination procedures (WaKandA, WasABi) – are about to be published and will be incorporated into the further development of the contract standards.
With the reservation concept, the network operators are providing an important impetus for the development of cross-border hydrogen transport and for the ramp-up of hydrogen in Germany.
Further information on the individual clusters is available directly from the responsible hydrogen core network operators.
Source: https://www.ontras.com/de/aktuelles/newsroom/hydrogen-core-network-operators-publish-guidelines-capacity-reservations-2026



























