The scoping process for the planned HYBOR hydrogen pipeline has begun in all affected federal states – Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony and Thuringia. In this early stage of the process, the scope of the investigations for further environmental assessments is being defined in collaboration with the relevant authorities and public interest groups. This lays the groundwork for the subsequent environmental impact assessment and the planning approval process.
Preparatory investigations have been underway along the planned route since the end of 2025. These include environmental mapping of flora and fauna as well as ground investigations. The aim is to assess local conditions at an early stage and to align further planning responsibly with natural and site-specific conditions.
The results of the investigations and scoping will be incorporated into the documentation for the planning approval procedure, which is scheduled to commence in 2027.
The approximately 120-km-long HYBOR hydrogen pipeline is set to run from Bobbau in Saxony-Anhalt through Saxony to Rückersdorf in Thuringia. It forms part of Germany’s core hydrogen network and is scheduled for completion by 2029. The project is being implemented by GASCADE as part of the ‘Flow – making hydrogen happen’ infrastructure programme.
HYBOR connects existing pipelines that will be converted for hydrogen transport in the future, thereby closing an important gap in the emerging hydrogen network. This will enable hydrogen to be reliably transported to the region and distributed to industry, storage facilities and other consumers. The pipeline thus makes an important contribution to the development of a climate-neutral energy supply in Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony and Thuringia.