Gasgrid Finland has continued collaboration with European gas transmission system operators (TSOs) to advance the development of a pan-European hydrogen infrastructure. The European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) group has today published an updated development vision to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure to support the achievement of climate goals and developing the resilience of the European energy system.

In the updated EHB vision, the TSOs have accelerated the development of the hydrogen network and already in 2030, the network would grow to 26 000 km. By 2040 the network would cover 28 countries and expand to 52 000 km. The hydrogen infrastructure corridors would develop already by 2030 to respond to growing hydrogen demand and to create a pan-European hydrogen market as well as improve European security of supply.

“From Finland’s point of view, the most important thing in enabling local hydrogen-based industry is the envisioned hydrogen corridor developing to the Nordic and Baltic region. It enables further wind power deployment, increase of security of supply, and decarbonization of industry in the Baltic Sea region. This corridor could also integrate the region with the European hydrogen market, creating an attractive investment environment in Finland”, says Olli Sipilä, CEO of Gasgrid Finland.

The envisioned 52 000 km long pipeline network would be based on both existing gas infrastructure as well as newly built pipelines. From the envisioned hydrogen infrastructure 60% would be based on repurposed natural gas pipelines and 40% on new pipelines that would enable creation of energy hubs in areas that have currently limited gas infrastructure but high potential for hydrogen supply and demand.

“The hydrogen infrastructure that the EHB group have envisioned is a great opportunity for the Nordic and Baltic region. The great renewable resources that the countries in the region have can promote the creation of regional hydrogen-based industries, sustainable growth and advance European energy independence”, Sipilä continues.

The EHB group has grown to include new members and covers now 31 European gas transmission system operators.  More information on EHB, the press release and publication are available here.

More information:
Olli Sipilä, CEO, Gasgrid Finland Oy, p. +358 40 589 4686, olli.sipila@gasgrid.fi
Sara Kärki, Head of Strategic Analysis & RDI, +358 40 158 1722, sara.karki@gasgrid.fi

The European Hydrogen Backbone initiative consists of a 31 European gas infrastructure companies, working together to advance the development of a cross-border pan-European dedicated hydrogen transport infrastructure, hydrogen market, improvement of the resilience of the European energy system as well as achievement of climate goals. https://gasforclimate2050.eu/ehb/