The SoutH2 Corridor project, a strategic initiative to transport green hydrogen from Algeria to European countries, has reached a new milestone. On October 1, ministers from Algeria, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Tunisia signed a declaration of intent in Algiers to further develop the project. This project aims to strengthen the joint development of the green hydrogen sector between North Africa and Europe. The declaration emphasizes the importance of this initiative as a lever for regional integration and cooperation in the fields of energy and industrial competitiveness.
The SoutH2 Corridor is expected to transport 4 million tons of green hydrogen per year from Algeria to Germany, passing through Tunisia, Italy, and Austria, by 2030. The project has the support of the European Union as a strategic project. A protocol agreement for the project was signed on October 14, 2024, between several companies, including Sonatrach, Sonelgaz, VNG AG, Snam S.p.A., SeaCorridor S.r.l., and VERBUND Green Hydrogen GmbH. This project is a key component of the energy cooperation between the five countries.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their cooperation for the development of the corridor, particularly in areas concerning transport network operators, national regulatory authorities, financial institutions, producers, buyers, and other parties that can contribute to the concretization of this initiative. They also expressed their political support for the pursuit of the development and success of the corridor through the establishment of a regular and structured dialogue between the partner countries.
The dialogue aims to create favorable conditions for the emergence of a competitive, sustainable, and integrated hydrogen sector, centered around the southern hydrogen corridor. To support this, a dedicated secretariat will be created with the help of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This secretariat will serve as a central platform to support intergovernmental cooperation and private sector involvement.
During the meeting, the ministers also took note of the progress made within the framework of the integrated and multilateral Alliance Algeria-Europe for Hydrogen (ALTEH2A) project, which aims to develop green hydrogen production in Algeria and contribute to the supply of the European market within the framework of the SoutH2 Corridor initiative. They were also informed about the activities carried out within the framework of the Offtakers alliance, aiming to promote the emergence of a structured and sustainable demand for renewable hydrogen.
The Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security stated that hydrogen is a key solution for Italy to achieve its decarbonization objectives. He described the agreement as an important step to reaffirm Italy's commitment to the project. The next step will be the signature of a second declaration of support for the project. This project is seen as a crucial component of the energy transition in Europe.
The SoutH2 Corridor project is a significant initiative that aims to strengthen the security and diversification of energy supply in the region. It also offers opportunities for cooperation and investment in the green hydrogen sector. The project's success will depend on the continued cooperation and commitment of the five countries involved.
Key points
- The SoutH2 Corridor project aims to transport 4 million tons of green hydrogen per year from Algeria to Germany by 2030.
- A dedicated secretariat will be created with the help of UNIDO to support the development of the corridor.
- The project has the support of the European Union as a strategic project.
