Australia’s engineering powerhouse, Worley Limited, has landed a pivotal contract that places it squarely at the heart of Europe’s clean energy ambitions. On February 25, 2026, Worley was awarded a five-year engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services contract by Energinet Brint, Denmark’s national transmission system operator, to support the first phase of Denmark’s Hydrogen Backbone pipeline. This project is set to become a cornerstone in the continent’s drive toward a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.
The Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1 project is nothing short of ambitious. Its purpose? To establish a national hydrogen transmission network that will connect large-scale green hydrogen production—sourced from Denmark’s abundant wind and solar resources—to Germany and, ultimately, to broader European markets. According to Offshore Energy, the network is designed to support Europe’s energy supply, providing a vital link in the continent’s evolving energy infrastructure.
Under the terms of this landmark deal, Worley will provide EPCM services for approximately 41 kilometers of brand-new hydrogen pipeline. But that’s only part of the story. The company will also oversee the conversion of about 89 kilometers of existing natural gas pipeline, making them fit for purpose in the hydrogen age. Along with these main arteries, the contract includes adjacent infrastructure that will underpin Denmark’s future hydrogen network.
“This contract advances a foundational project in Europe’s emerging hydrogen economy and demonstrates Worley’s EPCM capabilities for critical infrastructure at scale. It also strengthens our position in the Nordics—creating a platform for long-term growth with customers advancing decarbonization across the region,” said Chris Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of Worley, as cited by Offshore Energy.
The project’s leadership and execution will be a truly international effort. While the main operations will be led from Denmark, Worley’s teams across the Nordic region, the United Kingdom, and the company’s Global Integrated Delivery team in India will all play significant roles. This collaborative approach reflects both the complexity and the scale of the undertaking, as well as the growing interconnectedness of the global energy sector.
Commissioning of Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1 is currently expected by late 2030, a timeline that underscores both the urgency and the meticulous planning required for such a transformative infrastructure project. The countdown is on, and the energy world will be watching closely.
So, why all the buzz about hydrogen? Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy like wind and solar, is widely regarded as a key ingredient in the recipe for a decarbonized future. Unlike traditional hydrogen, which is typically derived from fossil fuels, green hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide during production. This makes it a prime candidate for helping industries and nations meet their climate targets—especially in sectors where electrification alone isn’t feasible, such as heavy industry and long-haul transport.
Denmark, with its windswept coastlines and impressive track record in renewable energy, is well positioned to become a major producer of green hydrogen. The country’s commitment to scaling up hydrogen infrastructure is part of a broader European push to reduce dependency on natural gas and other fossil fuels, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. By linking its production to Germany and the wider European market, Denmark is not only securing its own energy future but also contributing to regional stability and sustainability.
The Danish Hydrogen Backbone 1 project is more than just pipes in the ground. It’s a signal to the world that Europe is serious about building a hydrogen economy at scale. For Worley, the contract is a testament to its growing reputation in the field of sustainable infrastructure. The company’s ability to deliver complex projects across continents has made it a sought-after partner for governments and energy companies navigating the green transition.
According to Worley Limited, the project will create a platform for long-term growth with customers advancing decarbonization across the region. This isn’t just about building infrastructure; it’s about laying the groundwork for a new era in energy, one where hydrogen plays a central role in powering homes, industries, and even vehicles.
The specifics of the contract are telling. Converting existing natural gas pipelines to carry hydrogen isn’t a simple task—it requires specialized engineering to ensure safety and efficiency, as hydrogen is a much lighter and more reactive gas than methane. By leveraging existing infrastructure, Denmark is able to accelerate its transition while keeping costs in check. The addition of 41 kilometers of new pipeline ensures that the network can meet future demand as hydrogen production ramps up.
The international dimension of the project cannot be overstated. Worley’s teams in the UK and India will bring their expertise to bear, ensuring that best practices from around the world are applied to Denmark’s hydrogen network. This kind of cross-border collaboration is increasingly common in the energy sector, where challenges are global and solutions must be equally far-reaching.
For Europe, projects like the Danish Hydrogen Backbone are critical to achieving the European Union’s ambitious climate goals. The EU has set its sights on becoming climate-neutral by 2050, and hydrogen is expected to play a pivotal role in that journey. By investing in large-scale infrastructure now, Denmark and its partners are positioning themselves at the forefront of this movement.
Of course, there are challenges ahead. Building and operating a hydrogen network at this scale will require careful coordination between governments, regulators, and private companies. Safety standards, market regulations, and public acceptance are all factors that must be addressed along the way. But the momentum is undeniable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the world grapples with the twin crises of climate change and energy security, projects like the Danish Hydrogen Backbone offer a glimpse of what’s possible when innovation, ambition, and international cooperation come together. For Worley, Energinet Brint, and the people of Denmark, the next five years will be crucial. If all goes according to plan, by the end of 2030, Denmark will not only have a state-of-the-art hydrogen network but will also have taken a giant leap toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
With the clock ticking toward late 2030, all eyes are on Denmark as it charts a course for Europe’s hydrogen-powered tomorrow—one pipeline at a time.