A Joint Declaration of Intent (JDoI) has been signed by representatives of Germany, Algeria, Italy, Austria and Tunisia in Rome to strengthen European-North African collaboration on the Southern Hydrogen Corridor project.
The initiative will establish a direct pipeline connection for gaseous hydrogen between North Africa, Italy, Austria and Germany, consisting of five sub-projects and spanning 3,500-4,000km.
The respective transmission system operators (TSOs) are currently planning for the European segment to be 3,250km long, with 60-70% being repurposed natural gas pipelines. H2 View understands that this will enable the transport of up to 163TWh of green hydrogen annually to Europe.
Following the signing of a JDoI, the next step for the consortium is to finalise plans for the hydrogen pipeline to North Africa, which is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Dr. Philip Nimmermann, State Secretary at BMWK, claimed the Southern Hydrogen Corridor will be one of the “largest and most significant” renewable energy projects of our time.
He added, “This allows us to harness North Africa’s immense potential for renewable energy, advance hydrogen deployment in Germany, and support the EU’s climate goals.
“German companies can be key partners, supporting Algeria and Tunisia in diversifying their economies, future-proofing their industries and creating new jobs.”
Tunisia has already signed 10 agreements for hydrogen projects, whilst Algeria has agreed to develop a major hydrogen production project involving companies from Austria, Germany and Italy.
Read more:Algerian green hydrogen project to boost European imports via SouthH2 Corridor
Last July the Tunisian government agreed to progress six hydrogen production projects in the country, which will be developed by nine European companies.
H2 View understands that 2.3 million tonnes will be for local use and around six million tonnes of the volume will be exported, mostly to Europe via the Southern Hydrogen Corridor.
Read more:Tunisia secures European partnerships to boost 2050 hydrogen goals
