WHHYN
Wallonia Hainaut Hydrogen grid: hydrogen transport network around Valenciennes, interconnected with Belgium.
Description of project
The WHHYN project is the first open-access cross-border hydrogen transport grid between France and Belgium.
This project is being carried out in partnership with the Belgian natural gas carrier Fluxys and will link the Valenciennes area, where both production and consumption projects are located, with the industrial zone of Mons.
This project received financial support from the Hauts-de-France region and Valenciennes Métropole for the feasibility study phase.
The WHHYN project is one of the first phases of a larger Franco-Belgian hydrogen transport corridor project, which has been recognized as a “Project of Common Interest” (PIC) by Europe, recognizing its role in achievement of the European Union's climate objectives.
Hydrogen uses
The main use will be industrial for the replacement of fossil hydrogen and gas with renewable, low-carbon hydrogen. Heavy road and river mobility use is a complementary use envisaged.
First stages
- Q2 2022: Call for interest for the cross-border hydrogen grid project, coordinated with Fluxys.
- Q3 2022: Feasibility study initiated after the successful call for interest amongst industrial players. Study carried out with financial support from the Hauts-de-France Region.
Next stages
- 2028: WHHYN Project planned go-live date.
Grid sizing
Phase 1:
- Length: 40 km in France.
- Interconnection capacity: Approximately 24 GWh/d.
- 300 to 600 MW cumulative production by electrolysis.
- Between 1.5 and 3 TWh of H2 consumption planned.
Project’s environmental impact
According to an initial assessment, this project could contribute to averting 9.9 Mt CO2eq/year in emissions.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the project, please contact us at the dedicated email address.