Six European gas transmission operators have signed a contract for the pre-feasibility study of a Nordic-Baltic green hydrogen corridor, Kallanish reports. 

Gasgrid Finland, Estonia’s Elering, Latvia’s Conexus Baltic Grid, Lithuania’s Amber Grid, Poland’s GAZ-SYSTEM and Germany’s ONTRAS, on Wednesday, launched a pre-feasibility study into the planned corridor. 

The hydrogen pipeline, connecting Finland to Germany through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, aims to connect green energy production hubs in Northern Europe to the key consumption centres in Central Europe. The project, which was granted the status of project of common interest (PCI) by the European Commission in November 2023, is expected to be implemented by 2030.

In a joint statement, the companies say the hydrogen corridor is expected to create opportunities for the development of energy and associated ecosystems, whilst supporting the regional and EU climate targets. “It will promote the development of renewable electricity production, utilisation of renewable energy sources, accelerate the hydrogen economy development and contribute to the implementation of European climate goals,” they explain.

Phase 1 of the cross-border hydrogen infrastructure project involves a pre-feasibility study, which will be conducted by AFRY Management Consulting Oy, to assess its technical and economic aspects. The study is expected to be prepared in six months and based on its recommendations, the partners will decide on the project’s further development steps. The subsequent phases would comprise the engineering and permitting phase, construction, and commissioning.

The companies are yet to indicate the potential capacity of the pipeline.