Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor- gas transmission operators complete pre-feasibility study
The Gas Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany's Ontras have successfully completed a pre-feasibility study of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC). This significant study, initiated in January 2024, defines the key conditions for implementing the NBHC, aimed at transporting renewable hydrogen between the six countries.
The Nordic and Baltic region provides significant renewable hydrogen potential identified within the pre-feasibility study at the amount of approx. 27.1 million tons (Mt) of renewable hydrogen production (based on combined onshore and offshore wind and solar) by 2040. This creates a large hydrogen market creation and export potential towards continental Europe which the NBHC aims to address.
By 2040, the corridor is projected to transport up to 2.7 million tons (Mt) of renewable hydrogen annually between the countries. The pre-feasibility study indicated that the NBHC can be one of the first operational cross-border hydrogen pipelines in Europe. The NBHC pipeline is currently planned to be 48 inches (1,200 mm) in diameter, with several compressor stations and spanning approximately 2,500 km.
- With our joint project, we, as transmission system operators, are creating the basis for the market ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in six European member states. The cross-border, organic cooperation between producers, transporters and consumers will be an important building block for the success of the energy transition in Europe - the project partners are convinced.
- GAZ-SYSTEM keeps on taking steps to investigate the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure projects and the ramp-up of the hydrogen market. The company is active not only on a national level by developing the Hydrogen Map of Poland but also internationally. In the latter case the completed pre-feasibility study of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor illustrates the potential of hydrogen in the Baltic Sea region and confirms the need to continue project’s implementation activities. This is key as the Corridor project may contribute towards the energy transition of the Polish economy by decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and accelerating the roll-out of hydrogen infrastructure in Poland - said Slawomir Hinc, President of the Management Board of GAZ-SYSTEM, the Polish gas transmission system operator.
The NBHC project is an important component in Europe's transition to a sustainable and decarbonized energy system, supporting the EU's climate goals and enhancing regional energy cooperation. The NBHC will significantly support the EU’s decarbonization targets by integrating renewable hydrogen across six member states. The corridor could reduce carbon emissions by up to 37 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year by 2050. The corridor will enhance energy security and supply diversity in the region and Europe, connecting indigenous renewable hydrogen production to existing and new demand centers, as well as contribute to the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors.
In April 2024, the NBHC was publicly granted the status of the project of common interest (PCI) by the European Commission as part of the 'Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan for Hydrogen' (BEMIP Hydrogen). The PCI status enables benefits such eligibility to apply for EU project funding and accelerated perming granting procedures.
Moving forward, based on the pre-feasibility study results the TSOs now plan to commence work on the feasibility study covering the project‘s detailed technical analysis, commercial and economic assessment as well as the detailed implementation timeline of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor.
The key messages from the pre-feasibility study attached.
