Fluxys Hydrogen, the dedicated subsidiary of Belgian natural gas infrastructure operator Fluxys, has officially commenced the first phase of construction on its highly anticipated hydrogen pipeline network. With a target completion date of 2026 for this initial stage, this development marks a significant step forward in Belgium's strategy to decarbonise its industrial sector and positions the country as a crucial link in the emerging European Hydrogen Backbone.

Source: Hydrogen Europe

The planned pipeline network will strategically connect the key industrial hubs and port areas of Antwerp, Ghent, Kallo, and Zelzate. This interconnected infrastructure is considered essential by Belgium for enabling its energy-intensive industries, such as chemical and steel production, to transition away from fossil fuels and adopt cleaner hydrogen as a fuel source and feedstock.

Background:

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a vital component of a climate-neutral energy system. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, offers a zero-carbon alternative to fossil fuels for various applications, including industrial processes, transportation, and power generation. The development of robust hydrogen infrastructure, including production facilities, transportation networks (like pipelines), and storage solutions, is crucial for realizing the full potential of hydrogen in the energy transition.

In April 2024, Fluxys, a well-established player in gas transportation and storage, established Fluxys Hydrogen as a dedicated entity responsible for the development and management of an open-access hydrogen transport network in Belgium. This strategic move underscored the growing importance of hydrogen in the company's long-term vision and Belgium's national energy strategy. Fluxys Hydrogen has set an ambitious goal of achieving a yearly hydrogen transmission capacity of 30 Terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030, highlighting the scale of its planned infrastructure development.

Fluxys Hydrogen emphasizes the critical role of hydrogen in achieving a climate-neutral economy, stating, "As companies seek to strike a balance between security of supply, climate impact and cost price, hydrogen often emerges as the best option and makes hydrogen an important link on the path towards a climate-neutral economy."

European Hydrogen Backbone:

The Belgian hydrogen pipeline network is strategically designed to be an integral part of the broader European Hydrogen Backbone initiative. This ambitious Europe-wide vision aims to create a pan-European network of hydrogen pipelines, connecting key industrial clusters, production centers, and import terminals. The European Hydrogen Backbone is crucial for facilitating the cross-border transport of hydrogen, enabling a more efficient and cost-effective deployment of this clean energy carrier across the continent. By connecting major ports like Antwerp and Ghent, Belgium is positioning itself as a key transit hub for hydrogen within this future European network.

Fluxys' Broader Decarbonisation Efforts:

The development of the hydrogen pipeline network is just one facet of Fluxys' comprehensive strategy to support industrial decarbonisation. The parent company is also actively involved in projects related to carbon capture and storage (CCS):

• CO2 Transportation Network in Antwerp: Fluxys is collaborating with pipelines business Pipelink and industrial gas giant Air Liquide to develop a network for transporting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) from industries in and around the Port of Antwerp. This CO2 would then be permanently stored, preventing its release into the atmosphere and helping these industries reduce their carbon footprint.
• Subsea CO2 Pipeline to Norway: In partnership with Norwegian energy company Equinor, Fluxys is developing a subsea CO2 pipeline linking Zeebrugge in Belgium to storage sites in Norway's North Sea waters. This large-scale project, targeted for completion before 2030, is envisioned to have a significant capacity of carrying up to 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year, offering a crucial CCS solution for industries in the region.
• CO2 Export Terminal in Dunkirk: Through its affiliate Dunkerque LNG, Fluxys is also involved in building a CO2 export terminal. This initiative would further enhance the infrastructure available for capturing and transporting CO2 for permanent storage.

The commencement of the Fluxys Hydrogen pipeline build-out represents a tangible step towards realizing Belgium's and Europe's hydrogen ambitions. By creating the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen transportation, this project will play a vital role in enabling industrial decarbonisation, fostering energy security, and contributing to the overarching goal of a climate-neutral economy.