Germany and Italy are keen on advancing the construction of a hydrogen pipeline, dubbed the "Southern Hydrogen Corridor" (SHC), extending from North Africa to southern Germany. This ambitious project aims to diversify energy supply and create a new natural gas and hydrogen pipeline network, as outlined in the "German-Italian Action Plan for Strategic Bilateral and EU Cooperation."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will reportedly sign this agreement during their meeting in Berlin. The SHC specifically targets the "South Central Hydrogen Corridor" (SCHC), which links the southern regions of Germany and Italy with North Africa. The SCHC's ultimate goal is to enhance the cross-border gas pipeline infrastructure, allowing for the import of ten million tons of hydrogen by 2030. This will contribute to the formation of a larger European hydrogen network, connecting demand centers in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
As part of the German-Italian Action Plan, both countries are actively advocating for the production of renewable energy, natural gas, and hydrogen in North Africa without compromising socio-economic and ecological standards. The discussion concerning renewable energy and hydrogen pipeline projects began during Chancellor Scholz's visit to Rome with Prime Minister Meloni originally planning for North Africa to be a significant supplier of hydrogen.
The Southern Hydrogen Corridor (SHC) is a collaborative effort between Algeria, Tunisia, Germany, Austria, and Italy, led by key players such as Germany's State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Philipp Nimmermann, and Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.
The project's main objectives are to accelerate Europe's transition to clean energy, foster regional energy partnerships, and supply European markets with renewable hydrogen. The SHC relies on repurposing approximately 70% of the existing gas transport infrastructure for green hydrogen transportation, while also constructing an additional 30% for the project. The Italian segment of the SHC is expected to be 2,300 kilometers long, with approximately 70% of the route utilizing existing gas pipelines.
Upon completion, the SHC will significantly impact Europe's hydrogen network by enhancing energy security and supporting climate goals. The project will also promote regional cooperation among European and North African countries, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy system. The initiation of the SHC is pivotal for Europe's strategic autonomy in the energy sector, with operations expected to begin by January 2030.
