The formal approval procedure for the construction of a hydrogen pipeline from Aachen-Lichtenbusch to Eschweiler-Weisweiler has begun. The project developer is Open Grid Europe GmbH. The project is part of the nationwide hydrogen core network and is intended to accelerate the development of an efficient hydrogen infrastructure in the region.

The planning documents are available to the public as part of the planning approval procedure until April 22, 2026 and can be viewed online at www.aachen.de/wasserstoff. The Cologne district government is responsible for the procedure and will also decide on the admissibility of the project. Comments and objections can be submitted up to and including May 22, 2026.

At an information event on Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. at the Inda-Gymnasium in Aachen-Kornelimünster, the project managers will present the project to the public and answer questions from the public. It will take place if there is sufficient public interest beforehand. Interested citizens are invited to send their interest in the event as well as questions and comments on the process in advance to the coordinator for hydrogen infrastructure, Mr. Sheikh-Ayoub, at Mazloum.Ayoub@mail.aachen.de.

Hydrogen is considered a key energy carrier in the energy transition. It makes it possible to store and transport energy in a climate-friendly way and to use it in energy-intensive industries in particular, where direct electrification is only possible to a limited extent.

For Aachen and the region, the connection to the hydrogen core network offers considerable economic opportunities. Companies will gain long-term access to a climate-friendly energy source, which will support the transformation of industrial processes and create planning security. At the same time, the infrastructure strengthens the attractiveness of the location for investment and innovation.

In addition, the project contributes to security of supply and supports the structural change towards a sustainable and resilient economic structure in the region.