Germany and France have announced an intention to extend the planned H2Med pipeline into Germany as part of wide-ranging cooperation on hydrogen.

France, Spain and Portugal outlined plans for the H2Med pipeline at the end of 2022. The connection could transport up to 2mn t/yr of hydrogen by 2030 and will be split into an overland section between Portugal and Spain—estimated to cost €350mn ($380.6mn)—and a €2.5bn subsea section between Spain and France. H2Med is scheduled for startup in 2026, assuming financing has been secured. The three countries have applied for the pipeline to be given Important Projects of Common European Interest status by the EU in order to unlock state aid.

2026 – Planned startup for H2Med

Germany is likely to be a major hydrogen importer in Europe, having pledged in its national hydrogen strategy only 14TWh of domestic production by 2030 to partially cover a projected 90–110TWh of demand. The country launched its H2Global auction for hydrogen derivatives ammonia, methanol and sustainable aviation fuel at the end of 2022.

Renewable and low-carbon

Germany and France will also cooperate on strategy for the development of large-scale hydrogen production while “acknowledging the differences of our national energy productions”, according to a joint statement by the two governments. This includes ensuring “both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen can be taken into account in European decarbonisation objectives, while acknowledging their differences and safeguarding the overall ambition level of the renewables target”.

France has previously lobbied the EU to include hydrogen produced from nuclear power within its definition of green hydrogen. The latest leaked draft of the delegated act shows it could require green hydrogen to be produced either from new renewable energy capacity or a grid dominated by 90pc renewables, rather than any low- or zero-carbon power source.

Germany and France have also pledged to strengthen existing cooperation on offshore wind in the North Sea, noting this will be a major pillar of both competitive electricity prices and hydrogen production. The two countries will also set up a joint dialogue on battery charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

---

Author: Polly Martin