Launch of a CEI for the creation of a cross-border hydrogen transport infrastructure between France and Belgium

GRTgaz and Fluxys hydrogen are positioning themselves as major players in the future interconnected hydrogen networks at the European level. The creation of a hydrogen transport network by pipelines connecting three major industrial ports of the North Sea (Dunkirk, Ghent, and Antwerp) marks an important step in the structuring of a hydrogen transport network in Northwestern Europe.

These large industrial-port areas, characterized by the presence of heavy industries such as steel, refining, and chemicals, face significant decarbonization challenges and are currently developing numerous projects for the production and consumption of green and decarbonized hydrogen, which are essential levers in achieving European carbon neutrality goals.

The first projects for local hydrogen transport networks in these clusters are under study for progressive commissioning by 2030. On the French side, GRTgaz is developing the DHUNE  network² at the Port of Dunkirk. On the Belgian side, Fluxys hydrogen is moving forward to complete the first infrastructures by 2026.

In response to growing market demands, GRTgaz and Fluxys hydrogen are now proposing a shared cross-border infrastructure of 150 km that will ensure connectivity between these three major industrial hubs, guaranteeing flexibility and supply diversity to all industries wishing to connect.

Map of the future interconnected Franco-Belgian hydrogen transport network:

This call for market interest aims to take into account the future needs of the market. It is an essential prerequisite for the realization of this European interconnection, which was labelled a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission in 2024.

¹ Open acces:  marketing principle which guarantees all users fair and transparent access to the network
² DHUNE (Dunkirk Hydrogen Universal Network) is a hydrogen transport infrastructure project by pipeline within the industrial zone of Dunkirk, which will connect renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production and consumption projects in this area.

The phase of expressing interest, aimed at confirming the market’s interest in this project by GRTgaz and Fluxys hydrogen, will take place from October 16 to November 29, 2024. It is addressed to all hydrogen market players interested in this new cross-border infrastructure. In parallel, Fluxys hydrogen will organize a call for market interest at the border point between Belgium and Germany, allowing hydrogen transport from Dunkirk to Germany.

If there is sufficient expression of interest, and with the identification of needs from this first phase, GRTgaz and Fluxys hydrogen will carry out the technical feasibility study of the project, which will establish the infrastructure’s dimensions, specify the route and technical design, and provide an initial cost estimate for implementation.

Sandrine Meunier, CEO of GRTgaz: 
"We are proud of this collaboration with our long-standing partner Fluxys. Together, we are convinced that the future of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen relies on the availability of infrastructures capable of transporting and storing large quantities of hydrogen, connecting production sites to consumption areas, both nationally and across Europe. This initiative is fully in line with our vision of building a European hydrogen market and contributing to the decarbonization of our economy."

Pascal De Buck, CEO of GRTgaz: 
"Fluxys intends to develop the necessary hydrogen infrastructure so that it is available when the industry needs it. This new collaboration with GRTgaz, a trusted partner of Fluxys for many years, aims to create a cross-border network between Belgium and France and is fully in line with our global approach to contributing to the construction of key infrastructure for the decarbonization of Northwestern Europe"