Europe's Ambitious SouthH2 Corridor: A Green Hydrogen Pipeline Project
Key Ideas
- Italy, Austria, Germany, Algeria, and Tunisia plan to develop a 3,300-km hydrogen pipeline from North Africa to Europe, boosting green energy initiatives.
- The SouthH2 Corridor project, a European Commission recognized initiative, will use repurposed infrastructure and is expected to be operational by 2030.
- Despite setbacks in other green hydrogen projects in Europe, the SouthH2 Corridor receives political endorsement and strong support from companies along the route.
- While challenges like high costs persist, the project aims to enhance Italy's position as a key European energy hub, showcasing a positive outlook for green hydrogen.
Italy, Austria, Germany, Algeria, and Tunisia have reaffirmed their commitment to establishing the SouthH2 Corridor, a 3,300-km hydrogen pipeline project aimed at transporting renewable hydrogen from North Africa to Europe. This significant initiative, planned to commence operations in 2030, is set to bolster green energy efforts in the region. The project, recognized as a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission, is designed to utilize over 65% repurposed infrastructure with new segments added as required.
The SouthH2 Corridor has garnered political support and the backing of companies involved in hydrogen production and consumption along the corridor. This development is a positive step in enhancing Italy's role as a major European energy hub, as mentioned by Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Despite challenges faced by other green hydrogen projects in Europe, the SouthH2 Corridor stands out with its strong political and corporate endorsement.
The project's significance is highlighted by the decision of major companies like Shell and Equinor to abandon similar low-carbon hydrogen ventures in the north of Europe due to market demand uncertainties. While green hydrogen faces hurdles such as high costs and price competitiveness with gray hydrogen until at least 2050, the SouthH2 Corridor remains a beacon of optimism for the future of green hydrogen in Europe.