Czechia as a Key Player in the Transport of Hydrogen. Gas Experts Discuss the Construction of European Hydrogen Corridors.
- NET4GAS has joined forces with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) with the purpose of building a backbone network for hydrogen transport in the Czech Republic. The goal is to create European hydrogen corridors for importing this commodity and to build facilities for producing affordable renewable low-emission hydrogen. A key role in this venture will be played by strategic projects. Plans to that effect were discussed by the operators of Europe's gas transmission systems and other experts from the energy and industry sectors during the Czech Hydrogen Backbone Dialogue. Organized by NET4GAS under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the conference presented specific plans and produced an agreement on a joint course of action during the execution of projects related to these efforts.
"Czechia enjoys a unique competitive advantage thanks to its robust gas transmission infrastructure and geographical position in the center of Europe. Our goal is to make the most of this opportunity, which is why we are now working hard to build a hydrogen backbone and create European hydrogen corridors. NET4GAS, whose purchase was not unnecessary but strategic, is playing a crucial role in this, and with which the MIT is currently working to ensure that the Czech Republic becomes part of the European hydrogen market, securing not only its role as a transporter but also the supply of affordable hydrogen. All in all, Czechia is ready to become a key player in this sector. To succeed, we need to cooperate with transmission system operators, hydrogen producers, large consumers, and experts from various fields," explained Minister of Industry and Trade, Lukáš Vlček, adding that hydrogen has the potential to make a significant contribution to Europe's efforts to meet its decarbonization targets.
A look at the map of Europe's future hydrogen transmission system shows that the Czech Republic's hydrogen infrastructure is well positioned to interconnect future sources of renewable hydrogen in the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, Ukraine, Southern Europe, Turkey, and North Africa with ultimate consumers in various parts of Europe.
Regional projects that will support efforts aimed at this goal were discussed by delegates from the ranks of future producers, shippers, and consumers, both from the Czech Republic and other countries.
This year, gas transmission system operators, including GASCADE, OGE, eustream, DESFA, GTSOUA, and Bulgartransgaz, will apply to the European Commission for the grant of the Project of EU Common Interest (PCI/PMI) status to accelerate the process of building hydrogen corridors. The PCI status will facilitate the faster approval of projects, thus expediting the construction of the hydrogen infrastructure, which will in turn allow responding effectively to the growing demand for hydrogen throughout Europe. Another benefit of the new infrastructure will be reduction in Europe's dependence on energy imports and fossil fuels.
Representatives of NET4GAS, the operator of the Czech gas transmission system, including hydrogen in the future, emphasized the potential of the Czech Hydrogen Backbone Network in line with the National Hydrogen Strategy that aims to interconnect the main hydrogen production areas with demand centers, both within the Czech Republic and throughout the rest of Europe. The attendance of international players underscores the growing importance of the Czech Hydrogen Backbone Network in bringing together European hydrogen initiatives as well as the strategic importance of NET4GAS.
"We are witnessing how visions are gradually being transformed into real-world ventures. Our plans for the hydrogen network are progressing from ideas to an actual infrastructure that will provide a basis for Europe's future hydrogen market. In view of that, I consider it a success of fundamental importance that we have been able to attract to Prague such prominent entrepreneurs and various other experts. All that testifies to the fact that hydrogen has a future," explained Michal Slabý, Head of Strategy at NET4GAS.
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