Poland’s gas transmission system operator GAZ-SYSTEM reported on Monday (15 April) that the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor has been added to the list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs), published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This international hydrogen network project was proposed by GAZ-SYSTEM and gas transmission system operators from Finland, the Baltic states and Germany.
For the first time, the PCI list includes investment projects in hydrogen transmission and storage, as well as the regasification of hydrogen or hydrogen derivatives. The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor project has been included in the PCI list as part of the “Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan for Hydrogen” (BEMIP Hydrogen).
“We very much welcome the publication of the first hydrogen PCI list which also addresses GAZ-SYSTEM’s new investment plans. The experience gained so far in the implementation of ambitious diversification projects, our resources and the competence of our Company will certainly contribute to the establishment of an integrated hydrogen infrastructure in our region,” said Sławomir Hinc, President of the Management Board of GAZ-SYSTEM.
The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor is currently at the pre-feasibility study stage, which is expected to provide recommendations about the scope, costs, location, timing and economic viability of the project. The study is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024.
The new TEN-E regulation provides the possibility of granting PCI status to the investment projects contributing to the integration of European hydrogen infrastructure through the implementation of hydrogen transmission and storage projects and facilities for receiving and regasification of liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen blended with other chemical substances (for example, ammonia).
PCI projects can benefit from the best practices derived from TEN-E regulation, including an accelerated permitting process. PCI projects can also apply for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), provided that certain conditions are met.
