Rh2ein-Main Connect: Hydrogen Network for the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region
As early as spring 2023, the regional suppliers ENTEGA AG, Mainova AG, ESWE Versorgungs AG and Kraftwerke Mainz-Wiesbaden AG joined forces with other partners to plan the energy supply of the future. As a first result, the consortium was able to conclude a joint cooperation agreement based on the joint project idea, which serves as preparation for the planning and construction of a new regional hydrogen distribution network for the Rhine-Main area.
The new regional network “Rh2ein-Main Connect” will supply the metropolitan region with climate-neutral hydrogen through several connections to the nationwide hydrogen core grid, thus contributing to achieving the climate targets by 2045. The initiative has an approx. 300 km long hydrogen distribution grid in mind, sustainably developed by the cooperation of the various partners, which is to ensure the supply of hydrogen to power plants, industry, trade and private heat generators.
The vision is to build and operate a joint hydrogen network, starting with the first lines of the core network in the Rhine-Main area in 2028. From 2032, the local distribution of hydrogen is to begin: the aim here is to gradually convert the existing natural gas infrastructure to the full use of hydrogen.
In 2024, the Rh2ein-Main Connect project was awarded the special jury prize in the Innovation Award for New Gases because of its outstanding contribution as a visionary regional planning project.