AquaDuctus Pipeline GmbH is working intensively on the planning of the AquaDuctus hydrogen import pipeline in the North Sea. Preparations for the sea and land routes are running in parallel and form the basis for one of the central infrastructure projects of the future European hydrogen market.

Between 2024 and 2025, the entire coast of Lower Saxony from Emden to Wilhelmshaven was examined for possible routes and landing points. Technical, planning, ecological, and regulatory criteria were taken into account, as were extensive consultations with authorities and specialist agencies. AquaDuctus Pipeline GmbH is aware that the coastal region is very sensitive. That is why every phase of the planning process is geared towards avoiding or minimizing environmental impact.

The comprehensive preliminary investigations revealed a clear preference for the route: landing in the Hilgenriedersiel area in the district of Aurich – combined with a route via Norderney – has the least impact on the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park and is convincing from a technical, regional planning, and environmental perspective. The decision by the Weser-Ems Regional Development Office not to carry out a spatial impact assessment for the AquaDuctus section in the coastal waters of Lower Saxony confirms this assessment.

All other variants examined perform significantly worse, particularly from an environmental point of view. Further preliminary investigations will be necessary in the course of the year to determine an approvable route. The route will be finalized as part of the subsequent approval process. The municipalities concerned, all public authorities, and the general public will of course be involved in this process.