Germany wants to largely move away from fossil fuels by 2045. The Federal Ministry of Economics expects the existing gas distribution network to be downsized.
The extent to which these gas distribution networks will still be needed after 2045 will depend on whether they can and should be used to distribute hydrogen. It is said that a decentralized hydrogen supply to individual households currently appears unlikely. The reason: high costs and a lack of hydrogen. The ministry assumes that many customers will be supplied by heating networks or use electricity-powered heat pumps.