Italy is set to host an event this autumn to present the SouthH2 Corridor, a network designed to transport hydrogen from the southern Mediterranean to northern Europe.
The project, involving key players like Italian gas grid operator Snam, aims to link North Africa, Italy, Austria, and Germany, with Switzerland potentially joining the effort. The initiative has already received priority status from the European Commission, highlighting its strategic importance for Europe’s energy transition.
The SouthH2 Corridor is envisioned as a critical infrastructure project to deliver renewable hydrogen produced in the Southern Mediterranean to European industries. By connecting existing pipeline networks in Libya and Tunisia to Europe, and potentially converting hydrogen to ammonia for easier transport, the project aims to support Europe’s ambitious hydrogen import targets. With an import capacity of over 4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), the pipeline could supply 40% of the EU’s hydrogen import target by 2030.
The development of the 3,300-km SouthH2 Corridor involves a consortium of companies, including Trans Austria Gasleitung (TAG), Gas Connect Austria (GCA), and bayernets in Germany, alongside Snam. This collaboration underscores the extensive scope and complexity of the project, which aims to integrate hydrogen transport across multiple national boundaries. The initiative reflects Europe’s broader strategy to decarbonize industrial processes, such as steel-making, by shifting from fossil fuels to renewable hydrogen.
The economic viability of the SouthH2 Corridor is another critical consideration. The high costs associated with producing renewable hydrogen and transporting it over long distances may affect the competitiveness of hydrogen against other energy sources. Additionally, fluctuations in global energy markets and the development of alternative hydrogen production methods within Europe could influence the project’s success.
From an environmental perspective, the SouthH2 Corridor has the potential to significantly reduce Europe’s carbon footprint if successfully implemented. However, ensuring that the hydrogen production processes in North Africa adhere to stringent environmental standards will be crucial. Regulatory alignment across participating countries and robust safeguards to prevent methane leakage during transport are essential to maximize the project’s climate benefits.
