Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor: Pre-feasibility study for H2 pipeline launched

The proposed Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor project that seeks to establish cross-border hydrogen pipeline infrastructure from Finland to Germany passing through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland is witnessing some action. 

Six gas transmission operators namely Gasgrid Finland, Elering of Estonia, Latvian Conexus Baltic Gird, Lithuania's Amber Grid, GAZ-SYSTEM of Poland and Germany's ONTRAS have recently launched a pre-feasibility study for the said project. 

The project partners claim that the study is aimed at a comprehensive, fact-based framework to allow optimal decision making, expected to be prepared in another six months. The hydrogen corridor project is expected to be ready for implementation by 2030. 

The objective of the corridor is to establish a supply link between green hydrogen production regions in Northern Europe to key consumption markets in Central Europe. 

Nemunas Biknius, CEO of Amber Grid, commented on the project development, "Having analyzed the current economic situation, the consultants of the pre-feasibility study will provide answers about the potential of green and low-carbon hydrogen production and consumption in the region".

"They will also provide recommendations on the scope of the project, pipeline routing, capacities, financing, and risk management. In addition, potential hydrogen storage sites will be investigated. The results of the study will be extremely important for the entire region, which is currently actively looking for opportunities to develop the hydrogen eco-system," he added, as reported by Energy Global.

The gas transmission operators signed a co-operation agreement on the green hydrogen project back in December 2022. In November 2023, the project was granted the status of the project of common interest (PCI) by the European Commission.

The hydrogen corridor is considered as an important aspect of the emerging hydrogen ecosystem in Europe. The project is expected to boost both renewable energy and green hydrogen production across Northern Europe, thereby supporting the continents climate goals.