The Belgian council of ministers has given the green light to an ambitious plan that could transform the nation’s energy landscape and strengthen its role as a major player in the European hydrogen market.
The approval includes a substantial subsidy of €250 million to build an extensive hydrogen transport network. This groundbreaking initiative involves interconnections with neighboring Germany and the establishment of a sophisticated system connecting various Belgian industrial clusters in Ghent, Antwerp, Mons, Charleroi, and Liège.
In the quest to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier, Belgium unveiled its national hydrogen strategy last year. The strategy set forth a bold ambition to import significant volumes of hydrogen and its derivatives, with a substantial proportion transferred to neighboring European countries. To realize this vision, the government proposed allocating €300 million in public funding to establish a pipeline connection with Germany by 2028. Now, with the recent approval of €250 million, the groundwork is laid for developing this crucial infrastructure, with the remaining €50 million yet to be allocated.
Belgium already boasts approximately 570km of hydrogen pipelines, representing more than a third of Europe’s total 1,600km network. The existing pipelines connect various industrial clusters within Belgium and extend outreach into neighboring France and the Netherlands. Leveraging this infrastructure, the country aims to further expand its hydrogen networks between key industrial hubs in Ghent, Antwerp, Mons, Charleroi, and Liège. Additionally, Belgium intends to establish robust connections with Germany by utilizing both new and repurposed gas pipelines.
In a significant legislative move earlier this month, the Belgian parliament approved a comprehensive regulatory framework specifically tailored for hydrogen pipelines. This regulatory setup lays the groundwork for selecting a dedicated hydrogen network operator to oversee the system’s operations, with plans to finalize the decision early next year. The establishment of a well-defined regulatory framework is essential for ensuring seamless and secure hydrogen transport, inspiring confidence in both investors and stakeholders.
In a testament to cross-border cooperation, Germany and Belgium have pledged to link their hydrogen pipeline networks as early as 2028. This joint effort signifies a commitment to fostering a pan-European hydrogen market and facilitating the seamless exchange of hydrogen resources between nations. The collaboration promises to strengthen energy security, promote sustainable practices, and pave the way for achieving ambitious climate goals on a global scale.
With the approval of the €250 million subsidy for the hydrogen transport network, Belgium solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the hydrogen revolution sweeping through Europe. The infrastructure’s development is poised to open up new horizons for renewable energy adoption, industrial decarbonization, and international collaboration. As Belgium embarks on this transformative journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, its ambitious hydrogen transport network is set to become a shining example of innovative and collaborative energy solutions in the quest to combat climate change.
