The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Federal Network Agency have made a significant decision to integrate the Hamburg Hydrogen Industry Network ‘HH-WIN’ into Germany's nearly 10,000-kilometre-long hydrogen core network. This move will allow Hamburg's industry to benefit from a standardised hydrogen network fee, ensuring financial security for further expansion of the network beyond its expected launch in 2027. The integration of Hamburg's hydrogen pipelines into the core network is seen as a crucial step towards establishing Hamburg as a key player in the nationwide hydrogen economy. The core network, a key component of the German government's national hydrogen strategy, aims to facilitate a rapid market launch for hydrogen. By connecting hydrogen production and import sites with customers, the core network will pave the way for efficient hydrogen infrastructure development across Germany. The financing model prescribed by the legislator, including a uniform national grid fee and interim financing mechanisms, ensures investment security for projects like HH-WIN. By 2032, HH-WIN plans to have 60 kilometers of pipelines connecting major industrial areas in Hamburg. This development, alongside the broader expansion of hydrogen pipelines in Germany, will position Hamburg as a central hub for the early distribution of hydrogen in the northern region. Overall, the article highlights a positive sentiment towards hydrogen infrastructure development and the role of Hamburg in advancing the hydrogen economy.