Lun. Dic 23rd, 2024

The entire energy spectrum is undergoing some transformation on the heels of the recent announcement of the SoutH2 Corridor, a whopping 3,300-kilometer pipeline that will bring green hydrogen from Algeria to the European Union. More than 4 million tonnes of hydrogen are expected to be produced by the year 2030 by this far-sighted enterprise, which is likely to change the energy patterns over continents.Utilizing Algeria’s solar and wind resources for the manufacture of green hydrogenThe SoutH2 Corridor signifies a momentous development between Algeria and Europe as it brings together the key industry players of the energy sector. The green hydrogen production will be undertaken by Algeria’s Sonatrach and the Sonelgaz will feed electricity into the electrolysis plants using the plentiful sunshine and wind power in the region.German-based VNG, Austrian Verbund, Italy’s Snam and SeaCorridor among other companies will some of the gas transportation and distribution in the European continent. The project is part the European Union’s REPowerEU strategy which aims to develop other sources of energy to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.VNG’s board member Hans-Joachim Polk praised Algeria’s involvement in the project. “We will be able to enhance our company’s supply side by adding green hydrogen from Algeria, which would also play a significant role with respect to decarbonized gases supply security,” he said.The initiative is also evidence of the efforts being made back home, with the heightened global demand for support hydrogen. By 2030, the SoutH2 Corridor seeks to export green hydrogen to industrial centers in Italy, Austria and Germany providing a sustainable answer to Europe’s energy problems.The cost-efficient strategy of the SoutH2 corridor: Repurposing existing infrastructureOne of the most important aspects of the SoutH2 Corridor is the reuse of old and existing structures. Generally, over 70% of the pipeline will comprise old natural gas pipelines and therefore cost will be to a larger extent minimized.This novel strategy will be underpinned by studies on technical, economic, and environmental viability financed by hundreds of millions of euros. 3,300 kilometres is the distance covered by the pipeline to allow for transportation of green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe.Harnessing 20 GW of energy generated from solar and wind farms in Algeria, the initiative will deliver 4 million tonnes of hydrogen per year. This energy will flow to the North to meet the industrial demand centers in Augusta and Taranto in Italy, Linz and Vienna in Austria and Ingolstadt in Germany.Finally, the development will also address the challenge of transporting hydrogen produced within each of the countries involved back to Europe and encourage the integration of renewable energy projects at a national level into the overall European picture. Such cooperation among countries is essential for addressing carbon high intensity activities such as 

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