<p>The energy transition in Germany requires extensive investment in electrification and the use of hydrogen. Energy system studies often neglect the role of infrastructure costs, which can lead to distortions in the modeling of transformation paths.</p><p>In the GreenVEgaS research project, the DIMENSION energy system model was coupled with the network components of the MILES (ie³) model for electricity and the EStaTe (gwi) model for gas/heat. Using this model configuration, infrastructure costs were determined for various technology groups and taken into account in the modeling of the transformation path up to 2045. The explicit consideration of infrastructure costs leads to a shift in technology preferences, particularly in the transport sector, where the share of hydrogen vehicles increases. This additional demand for hydrogen is mainly covered by imports in the model outcome. Electricity heat pumps continue to be the most frequently used application in the residential heating sector, even when infrastructure costs are taken into account.</p><p>The results illustrate the central role of infrastructure costs in the development of cost-efficient strategies for the energy transition. They provide valuable insights for future analyses and more detailed modeling, which should take into account local conditions, costs of additional infrastructure and delays in system transformation.</p>