Italy will hold the presentation of the hydrogen transport plan and structure, from the southern Mediterranean to northern Europe. This important event will be held in autumn. According to Italy’s Minister of Energy, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the project could include Switzerland in the future.
SouthH2 Corridor, a European energy connection project
The SouthH2 Corridor project seeks to establish a strategic route linking North Africa with Italy, Austria and Germany. This connection would facilitate the arrival of renewable hydrogen produced in the southern Mediterranean to the industries of northern Europe.
The initiative has been promoted by a consortium of companies, including Snam, Italy’s main gas network operator. This corridor has been recognized as a priority by the European Commission since last year.
In a recent statement, Minister Fratin announced:“We are making steady progress, and in autumn we will hold an official event in Rome for the presentation of the project”. These words came after a briefing in the lower house of the Italian Parliament, where the importance of this project for Europe’s energy future was highlighted.
Green hydrogen, the energy bet
The production and transport of renewable hydrogen have become high priorities for Europe as the continent seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. This type of hydrogen, generated by sustainable electricity, is considered an essential component in the decarbonization of industrial processes such as steel production.
To carry out this initiative, Trans Austria Gasleitung(TAG), Gas Connect Austria(GCA) and Germany’s bayernets have joined forces with Snam to develop a 3,300 km pipeline. This pipeline, with an import capacity of more than 4 million tons per year from North Africa, could cover up to 40% of the European Union’s hydrogen import target by 2030, and is expected to become operational in the same year.
The agreement for this plan was officially signed in May, when the energy ministers of Italy, Austria and Germany established a cooperative alliance, aligned with the European Union’s strategy to decarbonize its industry.
Connections with Africa
Minister Fratin also noted that existing pipelines connecting to Libya and Tunisia could be integrated into the SouthH2 Corridor. This connection would optimize the existing infrastructure, while facilitating the transport of renewable hydrogen to the European continent. In addition, Fratin mentioned that there is the possibility of transforming hydrogen into ammonia as a viable alternative for transport to Europe, thus expanding logistics and distribution options.
Last year, preliminary talks were announced between Italy and the government of Bavaria in Germany on the supply of gas and hydrogen. Pichetto confirmed this information, stressing the relevance of Bavaria as the first hydrogen access point in Germany.“In Germany, it is clear that the first place we reach… is Bavaria,” Fratin said, indicating the strategic importance of this region in hydrogen distribution.
The future of the SouthH2 project
The SouthH2 Corridor represents a breakthrough for the energy sector, while reflecting international collaboration in the search for sustainable solutions. By establishing connections between Europe and Africa, this project underlines the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing global energy challenges. The integration of Switzerland into the project, still under discussion, could further consolidate the distribution network and ensure greater efficiency in the delivery of renewable hydrogen.
Next autumn will see a momentous event in Rome, where this innovative corridor will be officially presented. Italy, Austria, Germany and possibly Switzerland are leading an initiative that could transform the European energy matrix and position hydrogen as a fundamental pillar in the fight against climate change.
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Source: World Pipelines
Photo: South2 Corridor
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