Open Grid Europe Opens First Hydrogen Pipeline Training Center in Germany

The €10 million ($10.7 million) facility will train workers to operate and maintain hydrogen transmission systems safely under real conditions.

(P&GJ) — Open Grid Europe (OGE), Germany’s largest gas transmission operator, has opened a dedicated hydrogen training center in Werne, marking the first facility of its kind in Europe.

Officially launched the training track: from left to right: Dr Rolf Albus (GWI), Matthias Stiller (Werne Economic Development Agency), Mayor Lothar Christ, Jürgen Hambrecht (Head of Operations, OGE), Dr Katja Sagurna (GWI), Dr Thomas Hüwener (CEO, OGE), Sven Spurmann (MWIKE), Detlef Brüggemeyer (CTO OGE), Dr Markus Lermen (DVGW) (Image source: OGE)

The €10 million ($10.7 million) site was developed in partnership with the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) and the Gas- und Wärme-Institut Essen (GWI). It is designed to prepare technical personnel to safely manage hydrogen in transmission networks under real-world operating conditions.

“This H₂ training center is a prime example of joint effort and a building block in the development of OGE’s hydrogen business and the ramp-up of the hydrogen sector across Germany,” said Dr. Thomas Hüwener, CEO of OGE.

The facility features all system components needed for hydrogen transmission, allowing workers to simulate installation, maintenance, shutdown, and restart procedures. Training modules, certified by DVGW, emphasize safety standards and practical experience.

Detlef Brüggemeyer, OGE’s CTO, noted: “This site features all of the system components needed for hydrogen transmission, which allows us to practice work routines under actual operating conditions.”

Starting in autumn, courses at the training center will also be open to outside companies, with the first registrations already received.