The Ministries responsible for energy of Germany, Austria, and Italy signed a landmark joint declaration of political intent in May 2024 to enhance cooperation in developing the South H2 Corridor, a renewable hydrogen pipeline that will connect the European Union to partners in North Africa. The vast 3,300-km pipeline project will play a pivotal role in the European Hydrogen Backbone, positioning Europe to import up to 4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of renewable hydrogen, a critical step towards meeting 40% of the EU's annual hydrogen import targets under the REPowerEU strategy.
The South H2 Corridor project aims to control costs by repurposing existing midstream gas infrastructure in North Africa, with more than 70% of the total pipeline length set to utilize these pre-existing assets. This innovative approach leverages existing infrastructure while tapping into North Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources, making the region’s renewable hydrogen highly cost-competitive and offering European users better value.
The project's transnational scope opens new opportunities for electrolyser manufacturers and renewable energy developers. With over 2.5 Mtpa in letters of support from interested European and global developers, the project has garnered strong international interest. Prominent developers, including Germany’s ABO Energy, Aker Horizons, TotalEnergies, and TuNur, are advancing hydrogen projects in North Africa, with several in Tunisia.
In recent years, Tunisia has significantly accelerated its deployment of renewables, particularly in renewable hydrogen. In 2024 alone, several landmark projects have been announced, furthering Tunisia’s commitment to a national hydrogen strategy through memoranda of understanding with key international developers.
The Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA), scheduled for November 6-7, 2024, in Tunis, will bring African and international stakeholders together to discuss the strategic potential of renewable hydrogen across Africa. Organized by AFSIA, MESIA, CSPV, and SolarPower Europe, this forum will spotlight Africa’s role in the global renewable energy landscape.
Register now and join the global energy community in Tunis this November!
For more information and registration, visit our website: https://www.afsiasolar.com/refa-renewable-energy-forum-africa-2024/
