As Europe and the UK transition toward a low-carbon future, the role of hydrogen in the energy mix has gained significant traction.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, and blue hydrogen, derived from natural gas with carbon capture, are at the forefront of this transformation. However, the key to unlocking their potential lies in efficient transmission networks. Across the continent, projects are underway to integrate hydrogen into existing pipelines and construct dedicated infrastructure for pure hydrogen transport.
United Kingdom: Leading the Way in Hydrogen Blending and Transmission
The UK government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 5 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. A crucial milestone was achieved with the HyDeploy project, which successfully demonstrated the feasibility of blending up to 20% hydrogen into the existing natural gas network. Trials at Keele University and subsequent phases in the northeast have provided valuable insights into hydrogen’s compatibility with current pipeline systems.
Looking ahead, the Kintore Hydrogen project in Scotland is set to become a major player, with plans to develop 500 MW of green hydrogen capacity by 2028 and expand to 3 GW by 2030. Additionally, the H2NorthEast project aims to produce 1 GW of blue hydrogen, utilising carbon capture and storage (CCS) to curb emissions.
Germany: Scaling Up Hydrogen Infrastructure
Germany is home to one of Europe’s largest hydrogen electrolysis plants, REFHYNE, a collaboration between Shell and ITM Power at the Rhineland Refinery. This facility is already producing green hydrogen for industrial use. In the next phase, REFHYNE II aims to deploy a 100 MW electrolyser, potentially operational by 2025–2026. Germany’s focus on large-scale electrolysis and hydrogen-ready pipelines underscores its commitment to becoming a hydrogen hub.
Spain: Investing Heavily in Hydrogen Transmission
Spain has emerged as a key player, with Enagás pledging over €3 billion for hydrogen infrastructure. A standout project is the Iberdrola-BP partnership, which is investing €2 billion to develop a 25 MW green hydrogen plant at BP’s Castellón refinery. This project alone will replace grey hydrogen, cutting 23,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Norway: Hydrogen Export Ambitions
Norway’s hydrogen strategy is equally ambitious. By 2030, the country plans to produce between 2–3 GW of hydrogen, scaling up to 10–15 GW by 2040. With Gassco exploring multiple transmission options, including new pipelines and blending hydrogen with natural gas, Norway is positioning itself as a major hydrogen exporter to Europe.
CelZa and the H2MED Corridor: Connecting Iberia to Europe
One of the most ambitious hydrogen transmission projects is CelZa, a renewable hydrogen pipeline linking Portugal’s Celorico da Beira with Spain’s Zamora. Spanning 248 km, CelZa is part of the H2MED initiative, a transnational effort to transport green hydrogen across Europe.
H2MED’s BarMar pipeline, an offshore link between Barcelona and Marseille, will enable the export of hydrogen from the Iberian Peninsula to France and the rest of Europe. Once operational, H2MED is expected to transport 2 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, covering 10% of Europe’s projected demand by 2030.
Building Europe’s Hydrogen Backbone
The race to develop hydrogen transmission networks is accelerating. With projects like CelZa, H2MED, and REFHYNE, Europe is laying the groundwork for a hydrogen economy that is both sustainable and scalable. As investments grow and technology advances, hydrogen is poised to become a cornerstone of Europe’s energy security, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
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