Germany Awards 68-Mile Hydrogen Pipeline for Core Network Expansion
Salzgitter subsidiaries will supply nearly 109 km (68-mile) of hydrogen pipeline for Germany’s core network, supporting low-carbon steel production and the SALCOS transformation program.
(P&GJ) — ONTRAS Gastransport GmbH has awarded contracts to two Salzgitter Group subsidiaries to supply line pipe for Germany’s expanding hydrogen core network, a project tied directly to low-carbon steel production.
Mannesmann Grossrohr GmbH (MGR) will supply pipe for 70.6 km (43.9 miles), while Mannesmann Line Pipe GmbH (MLP) will provide pipe for an additional 38.2 km (23.7 miles). In total, the companies will deliver pipe for approximately 108.8 km (67.6 miles) of hydrogen transmission infrastructure under the FGL 702 pipeline project.
The new hydrogen pipeline will run from Wefensleben to Salzgitter and extend from Angersdorf to Preußlitz. The project forms part of Germany’s planned hydrogen core network and is intended to support Salzgitter’s SALCOS® (Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking) transformation program, which aims to convert the company’s integrated steelworks to low-carbon production.
Hydrogen is expected to play a central role in the production of so-called “green steel,” making the pipeline connection critical to the transition strategy.
“We are proud to be part of this important project and that hydrogen for SALCOS® will flow through line pipes from the Salzgitter Group,” states Andreas Betzler, General Manager of the two Salzgitter companies. “The Salzgitter Group is not only a potentially major customer requiring hydrogen – providing its steel products means it also enables hydrogen’s production and supply to customers.”
MGR will manufacture 813-mm (32-inch) diameter pipe. The pipe will feature a three-layer polyethylene external coating and an internal epoxy Flowcoat lining. Approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles) of pipe will receive an additional glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) coating applied by TDC of Neubrandenburg. Each pipe section will measure 18 meters (59 feet) and weigh approximately 4.5 metric tons (about 5 U.S. tons). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2027.
MLP will supply 610-mm (24-inch) diameter pipe, also in 18-meter (59-foot) lengths. These pipes will include a three-layer polyethylene coating and internal Flowcoat lining to reduce friction losses. About 6 km (3.7 miles) will include GRP coating.
FGL 702 is part of the Green Octopus Mitteldeutschland (GO) IPCEI project, a broader European initiative aimed at accelerating hydrogen infrastructure development.