GASCADE puts 400 kilometers of hydrogen core network into operation
GASCADE Gastransport GmbH (GASCADE) has reached a decisive milestone in building the German hydrogen network: about 400 kilometers of existing natural gas pipelines have been successfully converted to transport hydrogen. The initial filling of the first pipeline sections as part of the program Flow – making hydrogen happen establishes a North-South axis from the Baltic Sea region to Saxony-Anhalt, forming a central part of the German hydrogen core network. The hydrogen infrastructure is now available to the market and thus provides the basis for a successful hydrogen ramp-up.
This internationally unique project demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be quickly and cost-effectively transformed for hydrogen transport. GASCADE thereby creates planning security for the hydrogen ramp-up and makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in German industry. Managing Director Ulrich Benterbusch emphasizes the technical dimension and resulting opportunities: “With the successful conversion of 400 kilometers of pipeline, we reliably provide large-scale and central hydrogen infrastructure. Converting existing natural gas pipelines with a diameter of 1.4 meters to hydrogen is a technical pioneering achievement. This project is a strong signal for the German hydrogen economy and the industrial location of Eastern Germany.”
Managing Director Christoph von dem Bussche highlights the potential and the European perspective: Flow – making hydrogen happen is more than a technical project. It is a promise for the future. In 2025 we are creating the conditions to receive hydrogen from the European Baltic Sea region, international hydrogen imports via the port of Rostock, as well as green hydrogen produced on the Baltic coast – especially at the Lubmin site. From the get-go, we are considering the connection to our European neighbors. Because only together can we succeed in building a strong cross-border hydrogen economy.”
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 11 Dec
Announcements are published as a service to readers. The sender is responsible for all content. Announcements for publication can be submitted to announcements@thehanseatic.com.
The CREWS project, which aims to strengthen disaster risk reduction through community engagement and cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region, has officially launched with a kick-off meeting in Hamburg-Altona on 27–28 March 2025.
CREWS – or Enhancing Capacities in Disaster Risk Reduction by Facilitating Public-Civil Cooperation – seeks to empower local communities by bridging the gap between formal authorities and civil society actors in disaster management.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 28 Mar
The City of Tallinn has submitted its application to become a Zero Waste Candidate City under the Mission Zero Academy (MiZA) certification scheme, makingi it the first Estonian city to join the programme.
The Zero Waste Cities programme is an initiative of Zero Waste Europe aimed at helping cities transition to zero waste systems. Through certification, cities gain a strong framework for turning ambition into concrete action. The process will help Tallinn refine its strategy, better engage residents, and accelerate the shift towards waste prevention practices and material reuse and recycling.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 27 Mar
NIB and Eskilstuna Biogas AB have signed a seven-year loan to co-finance the construction of a new biogas production plant in a facility near Eskilstuna, Sweden. The EUR 15 million loan is supported by the European Union under the InvestEU programme and is eligible under NIB’s InvestEU Framework Operation Green Mobility and Transport.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 26 Mar
Executives from Tyréns, one of Sweden’s largest design companies, and its Lithuanian branch have visited the Rail Baltica construction sites. The meeting with representatives of LTG Infra, the company implementing Rail Baltica in Lithuania, have discussed the ongoing and planned works. LTG Infra is currently focusing on securing design capacity and invites both Lithuanian and international design companies to work in Lithuania and contribute to the Rail Baltica project. According to Vytis Žalimas, CEO of LTG Infra, one of the biggest challenges for Rail Baltica now is to secure design resources for the planning of future high-speed railway sections.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 25 Mar
Lithuanian researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) have developed a groundbreaking hydrogen production technology that transforms waste into valuable, clean hydrogen fuel. This new method not only boosts hydrogen extraction efficiency but also addresses the persistent issue of tar formation in the gasification process. By offering a more sustainable energy solution, the technology holds significant promise for reducing industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and fostering a cleaner energy future.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 24 Mar
Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) and Ascom have joined forces to enhance digitalisation at Oulu University Hospital (OYS) by boosting 300 Ascom Myco 4 devices for the use of hospital staff, enabled by Boldyn’s private 5G Standalone(SA) network. This is part of the Hola Oulu project where consortium members Pohde, Oulu University Hospital (OYS), University of Oulu, and WICOAR Technologies Oy are revolutionising patient care by implementing advanced, secure, high-capacity connectivity within the hospital environment.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 24 Mar
Prince William visited Sunly to examine how hybrid energy parks are strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The visit, part of his tour including meetings with British troops under NATO’s Operation Cabrit, comes weeks after the Baltic states permanently disconnected from the Russian power grid and integrated with the European system.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 21 Mar
INVL Baltic Farmland, a company that invests in agricultural land, announced its operating forecasts for this year along with planned dividends and decisions that are being proposed to the shareholders’ meeting. The company plans to earn a net profit of EUR 460,000 and have consolidated revenue of EUR 890,000 this year. This forecast assumes that during 2025 the value of land holdings will not change, no new agreements on the purchase or sale of land will be signed, and there will be no change in the impairment of trade receivables and no impact of trade receivables on the size of the administration fee.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 21 Mar
Last week, Estonia welcomed back some of the brightest minds in dual-use technology for an action-packed onsite experience at the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator. Over five days, the 7 teams tackled masterclasses, investment workshops, pitch sessions, and test centre visits, forging connections and shaping their solutions. Here’s a look back.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 19 Mar
The global sustainable initiative startup “Walk15,” founded in Lithuania, continues its rapid growth across Europe, reaching a valuation of €30 million. The company is now opening a Series A investment round, with initial investments coming from its existing shareholders, including the venture capital fund Coinvest Capital, led by Viktorija Trimbel, the angel syndicate NGL, led by Justinas Pašys, and other investors.
Read full announcement (external link)
Originally published on 17 Mar