H2Med has emerged as a landmark example of European energy cooperation, attracting recognition from authorities, operators and industry leaders at a major industry event.
ELEMENTGermany’s Transmission System Operator signed a memorandum of understanding with Gas System operators in Spain (Enagás), France (GRTgaz and Teréga) and Portugal (REN). The H2Med green hydrogen corridor connects Celorico da Beira in Portugal to Zamora in Spain via CelZa, and links Barcelona to Marseille through a maritime BarMar connection. The project was submitted to the European Union’s PCI program in the prior year and advances coordinated hydrogen transport across Iberia and beyond.
The support from the key national players, along with the hydrogen transport infrastructure in each country, was formalized with a memorandum of understanding signed at a Spanish embassy event in Germany.
The opening remarks at the event were delivered by a Parliamentary State Secretary from Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, along with senior representatives from the European Commission, Spain, France and Portugal, plus ambassadors from the involved nations. The gathering underscored a shared commitment to green hydrogen and regional collaboration. [Citation: EU and national government statements, event proceedings]
Representatives from the transmission system operators, Enagás, attended a round table titled “Introducing H2Med Together.” Key figures included Arturo Gonzalo, President and CEO of Enagás; Rodrigo Costa, CEO of REN; Thierry Trouve, CEO of GRTgaz; Dominique Mockly, CEO of Teréga; and Frank Reiners, CFO of OGE.
Frank Reiners emphasized the strategic value of the corridor, describing it as a vital bridge for hydrogen import, production and regional decarbonisation. The project links productive hydrogen regions with demand centers, fosters international cooperation, and supports Europe’s climate neutrality goal for 2050. [Citation: Event remarks and corporate statements]
Arturo Gonzalo highlighted the importance of OGE’s involvement, noting that German support alongside the governments of Portugal, France and Spain, and the TSOs, will help turn H2Med into a functioning reality. He stressed the Berlin event’s role in showing the need to connect supply and demand for green hydrogen across Europe, reinforcing themes of European cooperation, decarbonisation and energy sovereignty. [Citation: Enagás leadership remarks]
Thierry Trouvé, CEO of GRTgaz, framed H2Med as an inaugural global green hydrogen corridor that unites multiple European countries. The project is seen as a cornerstone in building a robust market for hydrogen, enabling decarbonisation for industry and mobility while ensuring reliable domestic supply. [Citation: GRTgaz leadership remarks]
Rodrigo Costa, President and CEO of REN, described H2Med as essential for linking Portugal, Spain and France. The two main connections — CelZa and BarMar — are pivotal for a green hydrogen corridor that spans western continental Europe to central and northern regions. The initiative supports a more integrated European energy market and enhances energy transition flexibility through a new energy vector. Costa also noted strong renewable electricity integration supporting hydrogen deployment. [Citation: REN leadership remarks]
Dominique Mockly, President and CEO of Teréga, described H2Med as a visionary bridge to Europe’s sustainable future. The project is designed to support progress and energy sovereignty by connecting competitive hydrogen production with high demand zones, promoting international cooperation and clean energy to help meet Europe’s climate goals for 2050. [Citation: Teréga leadership remarks]
A European Agreement
At the event, representatives from the European Union and the governments of Germany, France and Spain signaled broad support for H2Med as a major green corridor. The aim is to connect the Iberian Peninsula with northwestern Europe and enable renewable hydrogen to move along national hydrogen backbone networks to production hubs and peak consumption areas. [Citation: EU and national government statements]
Franziska Brantner, a state secretary in Germany’s Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, stressed that green hydrogen lies at the core of Germany’s decarbonisation plan. She noted steps to accelerate Germany’s hydrogen core network and to create favorable conditions for market growth, including expansion of the H2Med corridor into Germany. The focus remains on building a sustainable and innovative European hydrogen network. [Citation: German ministry statements]
Mechthild Wörsdörfer, deputy director general for energy at the European Commission, reiterated hydrogen as a clear EU priority and emphasized the need for robust infrastructure as a central element of Europe’s strategy. [Citation: European Commission remarks]
Manuel García, director general for energy policy and mines at Spain’s Ministry, argued that without cross-border infrastructure and open markets, growth is limited. He called H2Med a prime example of true European energy cooperation and said that once operational, it will bolster energy security and decarbonise industry. [Citation: Spanish ministry remarks]
Progress on H2Med
The H2Med program and associated corridor projects are advancing through the PCI qualification process. The European Commission is expected to publish a proposed PCI list in late 2023, with Parliament and Council delivering final approval in early 2024. From that point, PCI projects can access CEF-E funds for research and construction, accelerating timelines toward a 2026 start and a 2030 operational date. [Citation: EU PCI timeline]
Industrial Support in Germany
Germany is actively building its hydrogen economy. Projections shared with the European Commission suggest 2030 hydrogen consumption could reach 130 terawatt-hours, with 50 to 70 percent supplied via imports. H2Med would transport green hydrogen produced in Spain and Portugal to northwestern Europe, potentially meeting up to two million tonnes, roughly 10 percent of the European Union’s REPowerEU target. [Citation: German industry projections]
The roundtable on the German hydrogen market featured executives from Thyssenkrupp, Zukunft Gas, NGVA, Dena and EWE, highlighting the integrated role of industry in shaping the pathway to a more secure, decarbonised energy future. [Citation: Roundtable participants and remarks]