Spain, France, and Portugal pursue a European gas and hydrogen corridor
Teresa Ribera, the Minister for Energy Transition and Third Vice-President, described the Barcelona to Marseille gas pipeline project, known as BarSea, as a solid idea with a strong European perspective. She noted that the plan received formal adoption by France, Spain, and Portugal and that the first project specifications were expected to be ready by December. The initiative aims to serve as a potential hydrogen carrier in the future, signaling a shift toward integrated energy solutions across the region.
In a detailed interview with La Vanguardia, a government official emphasized that the pact among the three countries rests on a firm foundation. The agreement emerged after a challenging period during which the Spanish government viewed solidarity with other European partners as essential. The focus was to respond to the energy security concerns raised by the war in Ukraine, while balancing strategic energy interests across Europe.
Ribera clarified that the forthcoming interconnection should be adaptable rather than overly specialized for methane gas transport. She described the project as a medium-term challenge, anticipating that its design must accommodate future fuel types as technology and markets evolve.
For the second phase of planning and construction, Ribera indicated ongoing outreach to transport operators, industry stakeholders, and regulators. The initial project outline was set for submission to the European Commission at the start of December. The long lead time for the submarine gas pipeline indicates a timeline of roughly four to five years, though the total cost remains to be determined pending comprehensive technical studies.
Portugal welcomed the BarMar concept and described it as highly valuable. Authorities in Lisbon expressed an interest in coordinating hydrogen production as part of the broader corridor strategy. Meanwhile, the Barcelona-Livorno proposal was put on hold for now, with officials suggesting that a land-based or shorter offshore link to Marseille could offer a simpler, more economical configuration in the near term.
On the topic of gas prices and storage, officials noted that European reserves are currently ample. Demand remains subdued as households and businesses have not yet entered the heating season, though there is an awareness of potential price volatility and occasional spikes in the coming months as weather patterns shift and markets respond to evolving supply dynamics.