The German government is advancing its plan to establish a national hydrogen-based energy grid by 2032. Key transmission system operators have submitted plans for the network, which includes pipelines spanning 9,666 kilometers. Economy Minister Robert Habeck hailed this as a crucial step towards building essential infrastructure, referring to the hydrogen pipelines as the 'motorways' of the network. The initiative aims to connect hydrogen production and consumption centers, storage facilities, and import points over the next decade. The estimated cost for the German hydrogen grid is €19.7 billion, with the core network scheduled to start operations next year. The project is vital for the country's industrial decarbonization efforts, with hydrogen expected to play a central role in the transition to green energy, especially in sectors like steel production. The plan also emphasizes regional equality within Germany and integration into the European hydrogen grid. While financing is to be covered by the private sector through user charges, the government will provide financial security against unforeseeable circumstances. Opposition voices stress the importance of ensuring equal distribution of hydrogen infrastructure across all German states, highlighting current deficiencies in certain regions. The German cabinet is set to adopt a hydrogen import strategy to complement the network development.