Wenn Stahl Strategien überdauert: Die Klimakosten von Deutschlands Wasserstoff-Pipeline* - CleanTechnica

The article critically examines the climate impact of a 400 km German pipeline originally built around 2020 as a large-scale natural gas transmission line, later repurposed for hydrogen transport. Initially designed during a period of expected long-term high natural gas demand supported by Russian supplies, the pipeline’s construction involved significant carbon emissions, primarily due to the massive steel requirements—approximately 320,000 tons of steel, equating to about 1% of Germany’s annual steel demand. The steel production alone generated between 220,000 and 750,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions, with a central estimate around 600,000 to 650,000 tons, all emitted before the pipeline transported any gas. This embedded carbon is irreversible, raising questions about whether the pipeline can deliver sufficient climate benefits over its lifetime to offset these upfront emissions. The article argues that simply rebranding or repurposing infrastructure as “hydrogen-ready” does not guarantee climate benefits. The pipeline currently operates under pressure with fossil