The BalticSeaH2 project, a collaborative effort involving 40 partners from nine Baltic Sea region countries, is set to commence its ambitious goal of creating a large-scale cross-border hydrogen valley.
With a production potential of up to 100,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, this five-year project aims to revolutionize the energy landscape and foster an integrated hydrogen economy. Led by Finnish CLIC Innovation and Gasgrid Finland, the project seeks to achieve energy self-sufficiency and carbon emissions reduction across various industries in the Baltic Sea region.
Spanning Finland and Estonia, the main focus of the project is the establishment of a truly interconnected hydrogen economy, a feat not previously realized on this scale in Europe. Leveraging the existing natural gas pipelines, electricity grids, and active marine traffic in the Gulf of Finland, the region between the two countries is deemed an optimal location for a cross-border hydrogen market. By consolidating local areas and infrastructure, the project aims to foster integration and interregional collaboration.
One of the key objectives of the BalticSeaH2 project is to support the reduction of carbon emissions from marine traffic. Additionally, Gasgrid Finland is actively preparing hydrogen infrastructure, including the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor, Baltic Sea Hydrogen Collector, and Nordic Hydrogen Route. These initiatives are pivotal for facilitating the growth of the hydrogen economy and hydrogen markets in the Baltic Sea region.
The project’s scope includes the implementation of 25 demonstration and investment cases, highlighting the diverse sectors of the hydrogen economy. These cases are expected to attract over €4 billion in total investments, underscoring the significant potential and economic viability of the hydrogen industry. By the project’s conclusion, the production potential for hydrogen will reach an impressive 100,000 tonnes annually. The hydrogen and its derivatives can be utilized or sold by the participating industries, providing a sustainable energy source and further driving the transition to a low-carbon future.
With a total volume of €33 million, the BalticSeaH2 project has received €25 million in funding from the European Union. This substantial investment demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable projects that promote clean energy and advance the hydrogen economy. By fostering collaboration among Baltic Sea region countries, the project aims to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy transition.
