Germany and the UK are taking a major step forward in strengthening European energy infrastructure with a new plan to develop an offshore hydrogen pipeline in the North Sea. This strategic collaboration aims to boost cross-border hydrogen supply, support decarbonization efforts, and increase Europe’s energy resilience through a secure and sustainable energy network.
GASCADE Gastransport GmbH (Germany) and the UK’s National Gas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore building a hydrogen corridor between the two countries. The pipeline would link the UK’s hydrogen production capabilities with Germany’s demand, contributing to the creation of a robust, cross-border hydrogen market.
This initiative builds on a recent feasibility study led by Arup, Adelphi, and Dena, under the German-British hydrogen partnership. The proposed corridor would consist of two main sections: one connecting the UK mainland to the North Sea and another, the AquaDuctus pipeline, leading into Germany.
Hanna Schumacher, Head of Hydrogen and Gas Infrastructure at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, welcomed the cooperation at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.
The project supports the broader goal of decarbonizing industry using green and low-carbon hydrogen, while improving European energy resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating the UK’s renewable hydrogen capacity with Germany’s infrastructure and demand centers, the pipeline could become a key part of Europe’s future hydrogen economy.
“This collaboration marks a major milestone,” said Ulrich Benterbusch, Managing Director at GASCADE. “It leverages UK renewables and German hydrogen capabilities to diversify and secure Europe’s energy system.”
Jon Butterworth, CEO of National Gas, added: “Together, we’re helping build a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Europe.”