Fluxys Launches First Phase of National Hydrogen Transport Network in Belgium
Key Ideas
- Fluxys has started construction on the initial phase of a hydrogen transport network in Belgium's port areas of Antwerp and Ghent.
- The project is a significant step towards establishing a national open-access hydrogen infrastructure as mandated by the company, supported by the Belgian government and EU funds.
- The deployment of the hydrogen network will be in phases from 2026, designed to meet market demand and economic conditions, while ensuring open access for producers and consumers.
- The initiative aims to support the development of a hydrogen economy, managing investment risks while promoting industrial growth and economic sustainability.
Fluxys has initiated the construction of the first phase of a hydrogen transport network in Belgium, targeting the port areas of Antwerp and Ghent. This project is a crucial step towards developing a national open-access hydrogen infrastructure, in line with the company's obligations as the designated hydrogen network operator. The Belgian federal government is providing financial support through the EU's Resilience and Recovery Fund. Fluxys Hydrogen NV, a subsidiary established in 2023, has been tasked with developing and managing the open-access network. The company's cautious approach to investment risk in the emerging hydrogen market is reflected in the phased deployment of the hydrogen network, starting with pipeline installation between Antwerp and Ghent. The pipelines are being constructed with versatile technology to accommodate future energy vectors. The infrastructure will be deployed in stages from 2026 onwards, with a focus on market demand and economic factors, while adhering to open access principles. This framework allows hydrogen producers and consumers to connect under Belgian regulatory guidelines, striking a balance between industrial development and economic feasibility in the hydrogen sector.