Buchholz hyperlink pilot project: Low emissions for the hydrogen network

According to information released on 17 September, Gasunie has implemented the first low-emission construction site in northern Germany in Buchholz in der Nordheide in collaboration with the Friedrich Vorwerk Group. The aim of the pilot project is to prepare the existing natural gas network for the future transport of hydrogen while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions during pipeline construction.  

At the heart of the construction site is a hydrogen-powered generator combined with an energy storage system that supplies the construction site and machinery with energy. A fully electric excavator, a wheel loader and other battery-powered tools are used. The containers are also equipped with photovoltaic systems. All construction site traffic is fully electric.  

Environment Minister Christian Meyer emphasised that the use of hydrogen, photovoltaics and fully electric construction vehicles was an important step towards the future. He described the conversion of the network to green hydrogen as a milestone for climate protection and praised the climate-friendly construction process. Gasunie Managing Director Britta van Boven explained that the construction site in Buchholz demonstrates the consistent approach towards an emission-free hydrogen infrastructure. She said that sustainability was a high priority for Gasunie, while also pointing to increasing cost pressure due to regulation. Torben Kleinfeldt, CEO of Friedrich Vorwerk SE, emphasised that the energy transition would be decided on construction sites. He said the project clearly showed that complex infrastructure could be reliably implemented using modern, low-emission technology and sent a signal to the industry.