Germany plans to develop an 1,800 kilometre (1,118 miles) hydrogen energy pipeline network by 2027 with state participation, according to an economy ministry draft strategy paper seen by Reuters on Friday.

The paper also envisages Germany fostering the use of blue hydrogen and importing it during a transition period towards green hydrogen.

Europe’s largest economy wants to pivot towards cleaner energy sources and diversify its supplies, especially after the invasion of Ukraine underscored the pitfalls of a heavy reliance on Russian natural gas.