1. The creation of pan-European hydrogen economy requires efficiency, security and speed of transition of hydrogen infrastructure:

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Hydrogen is needed along electrification if we want to be carbon neutral or -negative, as gases are more capital efficient than electricity in large volumes and distances. Markets based on joint infrastructures create efficiency, security and speed of transition. However, the greatest challenge for hydrogen market creation is “the chicken and egg”-problem which leads to an “wait-and-see” approach. As for Infrastructure providers / TSOs, DSOs, they needs for clarity on regulation, funding, and flexibility to overcome funding gap during market development.

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2. Existing gas infrastructures are critical for achieving EU H2 targets:

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Following REpowerEU targets and aligned with the current legislation in most of European countries, which requires that the TSOs and DSOs ensure the adequacy of pipelines to accommodate H2 - namely, in a first phase, through blending of H2 with natural gas. Blending does not require additional infrastructure costs for H2 transport and storage, and it enables power-gas sector coupling by absorbing overgeneration from the grid and injecting H2 into the gas network, which greatly contributes to the development of hydrogen market before pure H2 backbone availability.

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3. Major pipeline interconnections that supports the establishment of H2MED:

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Aiming to develop the first major H2 green corridor of RepowerEU (denominated H2MED), REN, Enagas, Terega and GRTgas, prepared and submitted to Project of Common Interest (PCI) of European Commission the following projects:

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• New H2 interconnection between Portugal and Spain, named Celorico da Beira - Zamora (Celza)​​

1. Monforte - Celorico da Beira (Repurpose of existing ≈ 210 km gas pipeline)

2. Figueira da Foz - Celorico da Beira (Repurpose of existing ≈ 120 km gas pipeline + 55 of new H2 pipeline)

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These projects, complemented by an interconnection between France and Spain (Barmar) and other enablers associated, will implement the H2Med by 2030 which is critical to reducing dependence on Russia and leveraging an efficient and competitive H2 market in Europe.​

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4. The Nordic Hydrogen Route is a critical step toward achieving the goal of the European Hydrogen Backbone:

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With 48 GW wind capacity and 65 TWh hydrogen demand, the Nordic Hydrogen Route (NHR) project, which will be supported by 3,5 bn. EUR hydrogen Infrastructure, accelerates the creation of a hydrogen economy by building a cross-border hydrogen infrastructure and an open hydrogen market in the Bothnian Bay region by 2030. The goal of NHR is to drive decarbonization, and support regional green industrialization, economic development, and European energy independence.

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5. 60% of Italy’s H2 backbone could be repurposed for North Africa - Europe Linkage:

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The Italian H2 backbone is recognized as the Corridor A of European Hydrogen Backbone, which unlocks abundant and cost-effective green H2 supply from North Africa. Significantly, 60% (2300km) of the whole corridor can be repurposed as Infrastructure is already largely in place. Once fully established, 200 GWh/d (2,0 Mtpa) overall capacity is expected to be exported to Austria and Switzerland.

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6. Gas workers need to be upskilled and re-skilled across Europe for decarbonisation:

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New momentum is needed to ensure a just transition for gas workers to be upskilled and re-skilled across Europe. To achieve this, a good quality of social dialogue, planning and investment are needed by employees in the fields of electricity, petroleum and chemicals, at European, national and company levels.