Germany approved plans for the construction of a €19 billion hydrogen network, deepening its commitment to an energy source that has faced setbacks in recent months.

The German Federal Network Agency said it approved proposals from transmission system operators for a 9,040-kilometer hydrogen grid, which will be built out in the coming years and be fully operational by 2032. It's set to form a core network that will connect industrial hubs -- such as steel producers -- seeking to decarbonize.