New Alliance Connects Hydrogen Projects in Southwest Europe
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), DH2 Energy España, Elyse Energy, Hydrogène de France, HYNAMICS, Moeve, Qair, Securing Energy for Europe (SEFE), SHS – Stahl-Holding-Saar GmbH & Co KGaA, thyssenkrupp nucera, thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (energy and technology companies), and the promoters of the H2med project—Enagás, GRTgaz, OGE, REN, and Teréga—have formed the Alliance for the H2med Southwest Hydrogen Corridor. This initiative aims to connect Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany, fostering the creation of a European hydrogen internal market while linking projects for hydrogen production, storage, and utilization.
The alliance was introduced during the event “Scaling Up Green Hydrogen for Domestic Use and Export” held at the German Embassy in Madrid. The event was attended by Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action; Joan Groizard Payeras, Secretary of State for Energy in the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge; João Mira-Gomes, Portuguese Ambassador to Spain; and Maria Margarete Gosse, German Ambassador to Spain.
This cross-sectoral, regional, and multi-industry collaboration is essential to establish a strong foundation for promoting hydrogen supply and demand. The alliance aims to create optimal conditions for the development of strategic projects. It will also facilitate cooperation and communication across all segments of the hydrogen value chain, from production and transport to technology and end-use. This approach seeks to accelerate the European hydrogen scale-up.
The alliance will advance domestic hydrogen markets and decarbonization efforts in their respective countries by encouraging the expansion of production and consumption capacities and integrating energy supply and demand across Europe.
Developing a trans-European hydrogen ecosystem and creating an internal hydrogen market is crucial, as some strategic industries—such as heavy industry, shipping, aviation, and heavy-duty transport—face significant challenges in reducing emissions. A robust hydrogen ecosystem will enhance the competitiveness of European industries, ensure long-term energy security, and bolster the resilience of Europe’s energy system. The Alicante Declaration, signed by European leaders at the Euromed Summit 2022, underscores Europe’s commitment to finding joint solutions for future energy systems, with hydrogen and its transportation playing a key role in the continent’s energy independence.
Through this alliance, participants establish a framework for cooperation in developing the southwestern hydrogen corridor. This corridor primarily links the H2med pipeline projects, HY-FEN (GRTgaz’s South-North hydrogen connection), and HySoW (the Portuguese and Spanish core networks), connecting them with OGE pipelines as part of Germany’s hydrogen backbone. All these projects have already been recognized as Projects of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Union or have applied for this status.
Furthermore, the alliance members will work together to promote the implementation of hydrogen network projects and to connect hydrogen production, storage, and utilization initiatives, thus contributing to the growth of the hydrogen economy in Europe. To this end, members will meet regularly to coordinate efforts and leverage synergies. This is an open alliance that welcomes additional companies and regions while seeking government support.
Source: https://english.gas.info/press/news-detail-page/detail/news-new_alliance_connects_hydrogen_projects_in_southwest_europe-492132?cHash=148a93988c40175defb5a5cd02db466e
