Preparatory work for the planning approval process in Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate has begun.
Kassel. As part of the Flow – making hydrogen happen program, GASCADE Gastransport GmbH (GASCADE) is planning to build a hydrogen pipeline approximately 15 kilometers long from Lampertheim to Ludwigshafen am Rhein (HYLU) and an associated hydrogen (gas) pressure regulating and measuring station (WDRM) in Lampertheim. The HYLU pipeline is intended to take over hydrogen in Lampertheim from the transmission gas pipeline MIDAL, which is being converted to hydrogen transport, and deliver it to Ludwigshafen am Rhein. By providing this important infrastructure, GASCADE is supporting the transformation in Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate toward a low-carbon energy supply and creating an opportunity for decarbonization for local industry. The HYLU hydrogen pipeline is part of the German hydrogen core grid and is scheduled for completion by 2029.
To maintain the natural gas supply in the region, an additional gas pressure regulating and metering station (GDRM) is required in the Lampertheim urban area. The planned GDRM will be integrated into the existing natural gas network and is scheduled to go into operation as early as 2028.
In order to prepare for the planning approval process, work will soon begin at the site of the planned GDRM facility in Lampertheim and along the route of the HYLU pipeline, including the planned WDRM facility. The starting point is the mapping work to investigate the facility locations and the pipeline corridor in accordance with Section 44 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The main mapping period will be between March and July 2026.
The mapping will be carried out by a surveying office commissioned by GASCADE exclusively on freely accessible areas. The work will mainly be carried out during the day or in the morning and evening hours and only in individual cases at night to document biodiversity.
The preliminary work does not constitute a preliminary decision on the planned project. It serves solely to ensure that the application documents are prepared in a professional manner. The preliminary work, which is to be completed by fall 2026, also includes surveying work, building site investigations, and explosive ordnance surveys. GASCADE will coordinate the building site investigations and any other necessary investigations with the owners concerned.
The commissioning of the HYLU hydrogen pipeline in 2029 will provide planning security in the region with regard to a direct and large-scale connection to the hydrogen core grid. This is an important signal for maintaining the region's competitiveness in a decarbonizing environment. Specifically, this affects current locations in the chemical, power generation, paper production, and mechanical engineering sectors. This also raises hopes that the region will remain attractive for the establishment of new industries in the future
