Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Frattin has emphasized Algeria's growing importance in the new energy system, particularly in hydrogen production. He made these remarks during the second ministerial meeting on the SoutH2 corridor, a project aimed at connecting North Africa to European markets. The meeting was held in Algeria, a country that Frattin said is playing a central role in the new European energy system.
The SoutH2 corridor aims to transport hydrogen produced in North Africa to European markets via Italy, Austria, and Germany, spanning approximately 3300 kilometers. The project involves reusing existing infrastructure and building new pipelines. Algeria has a significant role in the project, with Frattin announcing the launch of feasibility studies partially funded by European financing. These studies focus on Algeria's hydrogen production capabilities.
Frattin expressed his appreciation for the meeting being held in Algeria for the first time, highlighting the country's growing central role in the new European energy system. He also acknowledged the initial results of studies on transporting hydrogen from Algeria to Europe, aiming to identify viable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. This would enable the delivery of this new energy carrier to European markets.
The project is recognized by Europe as a project of common and mutual interest, and it has been included in the "Global Gateway" framework. This recognition may facilitate its financing through the European Commission and multilateral financial institutions. Frattin stated that his country supports including the project in initiatives to be promoted under the European Union's Southern Neighborhood policy.
The Italian minister emphasized the need to enhance the participation of companies from the concerned countries in implementing the corridor. He noted that developing demand for hydrogen is a crucial condition for making investments in production and transportation infrastructure economically sustainable. On the regulatory level, Frattin mentioned that Italy has recently implemented the European directive related to gas and hydrogen markets.
Frattin also announced that Italy has set targets for 2040 to use renewable hydrogen in the industry and transportation sectors, in line with European objectives. This move provides more certainty and predictability for the market. The ministerial meeting was attended by representatives from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Germany, and Austria, following the first meeting held in Rome in January 2025.
The Italian minister and his counterparts are preparing to sign a second declaration to support the project, which he described as important for renewing commitment to the SoutH2 corridor and strengthening cooperation in hydrogen between North Africa and Europe. The project may also involve the establishment of a project secretariat under the auspices of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Key points
- Algeria plays a crucial role in the SoutH2 corridor project, which aims to transport hydrogen to European markets.
- The project involves reusing existing infrastructure and building new pipelines spanning approximately 3300 kilometers.
- Italy supports including the project in initiatives to be promoted under the European Union's Southern Neighborhood policy.
