Energinet Signs EPCM Agreement with Worley to Advance Danish Hydrogen Backbone Infrastructure Project

Energinet Signs EPCM Agreement with Worley to Advance Danish Hydrogen Backbone Infrastructure Project

(IN BRIEF) Energinet has entered into a five-year EPCM agreement with Worley to advance the development of the Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1, the first phase of Denmark’s hydrogen pipeline network connecting Esbjerg, Veerst and Frøslev near the German border. The collaboration integrates Worley into Energinet’s project organisation and combines international hydrogen infrastructure expertise with local regulatory knowledge. The project includes the construction of new pipelines, conversion of existing gas infrastructure and installation of supporting facilities, with operations planned by 2030. Development depends on securing at least 0.5 GW of transport capacity through an ongoing market booking process.

(PRESS RELEASE) FREDERICIA, 24-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Energinet has signed a five-year agreement with Worley to support the development of the Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1, the initial phase of Denmark’s future hydrogen transmission network. The project will connect Esbjerg to Veerst and continue south to Frøslev at the German border, forming a key component of the country’s planned hydrogen infrastructure and supporting cross-border energy transport.

The collaboration is structured as an EPCM arrangement covering engineering, procurement and construction management activities. Under this framework, Worley will take responsibility for technical design, procurement processes, contractor coordination and construction oversight. Rather than operating solely as an external contractor, Worley will be integrated into Energinet’s project organisation, enabling closer cooperation and allowing the project structure and resources to be adjusted as development progresses.

The partnership combines Energinet’s knowledge of Danish energy systems with Worley’s international experience in large-scale energy and hydrogen infrastructure projects. A Danish subcontractor will also be involved to provide expertise in local regulations, permitting processes and site-specific requirements. The agreement follows a competitive tender in which three shortlisted bidders submitted proposals.

Hydrogen produced from renewable electricity is expected to play a major role in Denmark’s energy transition, and the Hydrogen Backbone project represents an important step toward establishing the infrastructure needed to support large-scale hydrogen transport. The planned network will link domestic production areas with export routes to Germany and the wider European market.

The EPCM agreement covers the construction of approximately 41 kilometres of new hydrogen pipeline between Esbjerg and Veerst as well as the conversion of around 89 kilometres of existing natural gas pipeline between Veerst and Frøslev for hydrogen transport. The scope also includes the development of associated above-ground facilities and technical installations required to operate the pipeline system.

The Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1 is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2030. Early mobilisation of engineering and procurement activities is required to meet the project timeline, particularly for long-lead components such as pipelines, valves and other specialised equipment.

The project will proceed subject to sufficient market demand. According to the political framework for the hydrogen infrastructure, at least 0.5 GW of transport capacity must be booked before construction can move forward. The capacity booking process began on 30 January 2026 and will remain open until 1 December 2026.

SOURCE: Energinet