Spain's Enagas Granted Approval to Develop Trans-European Hydrogen Pipeline
Key Ideas
- Enagas, a Spanish gas grid operator, received government approval to develop a section of a trans-European hydrogen pipeline and related infrastructure projects.
- The H2MED hydrogen pipeline project aims to connect the Iberian peninsula to France and Central Europe by 2030, with an expected investment of around €3.2 billion.
- Enagas plans to transition to managing a hydrogen infrastructure network to support Spain's goal of becoming a hub for green hydrogen in Europe.
- The Spanish government's provisional approval includes projects like interconnection with Portugal, an underwater pipeline to France, and hydrogen storage facilities.
The Spanish government has given Enagas the green light to commence development on the Spanish segment of a trans-European hydrogen pipeline and associated infrastructure projects. Enagas, which holds a 5% state ownership, is strategically transitioning from a natural gas grid operator to overseeing a network of hydrogen infrastructure. This move aligns with Spain's aspiration to position itself as a significant player in the European green hydrogen sector. The flagship project, H2MED hydrogen pipeline, is set to link the Iberian peninsula to France and further into Central Europe by 2030 with an estimated investment of €3.2 billion. Enagas is collaborating with counterparts from France, Germany, and Portugal to realize this ambitious initiative. The Spanish government's initial approval encompasses projects within the H2MED corridor, including connections with Portugal, an underwater pipeline named "BarMar" to France, and the establishment of hydrogen storage facilities. While the approval is provisional, it signifies a crucial step towards achieving decarbonization goals in Europe through green hydrogen. Despite the potential of green hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions, its current lack of cost competitiveness necessitates subsidies for viable implementation.
Topics
Projects
Renewable Energy
Infrastructure
Energy Transition
Pipeline
European Cooperation
Government Approval
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