Denmark has a key role to play in Green Transition since the country is uniquely positioned to produce large amounts of green electricity from wind and solar power. This renewable energy can be transformed into green hydrogen, enabling use in sectors where direct electrification is not an option. But what exactly is the Danish game plan regarding hydrogen?
Energinet, the Danish Transmission System Operator (TSO), has been charged with shaping Denmark’s future hydrogen infrastructure. A key project in this is the Danish Hydrogen Backbone – a new pipeline system designed to support the green transition, link Danish hydrogen production with the German market, and contribute to the development of a wider European hydrogen infrastructure.
Energinet is responsible for planning, establishing, and operating Denmark’s emerging hydrogen infrastructure to ensure strong integration between green hydrogen production and the broader energy system, explains Christian Rutherford, Chief Economist, Hydrogen Development, at Energinet.
– We received the approval from the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities in August 2025 to build the hydrogen infrastructure, he says.
Rutherford attended Hydrogen Development Forum 2025 in Helsinki, held by Gasgrid at the end of September.
Market commitment needed for final approval
The final hurdle in the process is meeting the booking requirements, which means, in essence, making sure that enough clients are committed to purchasing hydrogen from Energinet.
– We are doing everything we can to meet the booking requirements next year.
The aim is to have the pipeline commercially operational by 2030. In the longer term, the ambition is to establish a larger hydrogen network in Denmark. Presently, there are 1,250 kilometres of existing gas pipeline in Denmark.
– We are looking to build the pipeline step by step, starting with the south region of the country, which makes the most sense functionally, Rutherford says.
German industries are hungry for Danish hydrogen
Henceforth, the building of the Danish Hydrogen Backbone will begin in Southern Jutland: A new pipeline is being prepared from Esbjerg to Veerst near Egtved. An existing gas pipeline is expected to be repurposed to carry hydrogen from Veerst to Frøslev, close to the Danish-German border.
This first pipeline – known as “The 7” for its shape on the map – is a key step in linking Danish hydrogen production to European demand, explains Rutherford.
– For us, the key issue is smooth hydrogen export to Germany where there’s big industries waiting on it.
Denmark, as such, has relatively few “heavy-duty” industries that would benefit from hydrogen, so exports are the logical move. Denmark does, however, boast plenty of offshore wind power, which can be utilized to make clean hydrogen.
– The biggest potential for us lies in West Denmark, since that’s where most offshore wind power is located.
Broad collaboration across Europe holds the key to success
At the same time, the German gas Transmission System Operator Gasunie Deutschland is planning a pipeline heading north towards the Danish border, establishing a future cross-border connection.
– We have great collaboration with Gasunie Deutschland and are confident we can make this work.
As the Hydrogen Economy is gaining momentum around Europe, Energinet has been engaged in talks with many gas TSOs, ranging from Spain and France to Belgium and the Netherlands.
– For us, it has been important to exchange views with Gasgrid, as well, Rutherford says, pointing out that the two Nordic TSOs share a lot of common ground, starting with a strategy which caters to the German market.
– Furthermore, we both believe in the great potential of hydrogen.
Hydrogen started a real snowball effect in the European energy sector
Having worked for Energinet for 19 years, Rutherford has seen hydrogen enter the scene rather inconspicuously and then gain traction in the EU and national policies alike.
– When we started looking into hydrogen around 5-6 years ago, it was only of interest to a couple of people back then. Now, we have a large project involving over 100 people, he compares.
—
Energinet – the Danish Transmission System Operator (TSO)
– an independent public enterprise owned by the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities
– owns, operates, and develops the transmission systems for electricity and gas in Denmark
– works to solve the “energy trilemma”: how to transform the energy system to renewable energy with high security of supply at an affordable price
Read more:
Hydrogen Development Forum 2025 showcased the first-ever Hydrogen Information Package
Text: Sami Anteroinen
Pictures and video: Miika Kainu