The underwater connection linking Barcelona to Marseille, named H2Med, is intended to serve transport of green hydrogen once it becomes operational, with the aim of maximizing European Union financing. The plan envisions a future where the route may also accommodate gas in its early stages, but the project’s primary purpose remains the movement of hydrogen and the gradual shift away from fossil fuels.
European finance is being mobilized with the condition that a hydrogen pipeline exists. Officials indicate that this infrastructure is being pursued specifically to carry hydrogen, and that later stages could repurpose any existing sections for gas if needed. The same funds are being sought with the understanding that a clear hydrogen conduit is essential to unlock public support and EU backing.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, together with French President Emmanuel Macron and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, is expected to inaugurate the project this Friday in Alicante, where the legacy of the MidCat concept will be revisited in a modern green context. The event will align with the Euro-Mediterranean Summit, drawing participation from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior officials. The gathering aims to demonstrate a united political commitment and to outline the cost framework, market considerations, and environmental feasibility studies that will underpin a roadmap for a green hydrogen corridor targeted for operation around 2030.
With the project launch, Spain, France, and Portugal will submit proposals for European financial support, ahead of a December 15 deadline set by the European Commission for funding applications. Government sources and transmission system operators, including Enagás on the Spanish side, have been collaborating since October 20 to shape the design, roles, and governance of the hydrogen corridor among the three nations.
Officials note that Brussels could provide a substantial share of the total cost, potentially ranging from 30% to 50%, while stressing that the objective is to secure as much financing as possible to accelerate the build. The emphasis remains on building a credible and cost-effective hydrogen pipeline that can deliver long-term energy security and decarbonization benefits.
Von der Leyen’s symbolic support
Participants stressed the need for continued, tangible effort, while acknowledging that von der Leyen’s presence at the summit serves as symbolic endorsement and signals that the infrastructure is a project for the entire European Union. The discussions underscore a public financing framework that favors hydrogen-focused infrastructure, recognizing that this is a costly, large-scale endeavor and that the three countries are seeking EU funding under current rules.
The submarine conduit between Barcelona and Marseille is part of the broader Green Energy Corridor, a plan to connect the Iberian Peninsula with France and, more broadly, with the European energy network. Another strand of the effort involves finalizing participants and linking points in Portugal and Spain where natural gas could be transported initially, subject to capacity limits and ongoing optimization studies. This phased approach reflects a transition strategy rather than an immediate solution to current energy shortages.
Officials also indicated that the submarine link with France is expected to be ready within a few years, and that the project will be positioned within an appropriate timeline designed to support the energy transition. The tone from the three governments emphasizes long-term planning, environmental considerations, and market feasibility rather than quick fixes for today’s energy challenges. The plan envisions a gradual build-out that aligns with broader European decarbonization goals and the expansion of hydrogen as a foundational energy carrier across the region (EU policy statements, 2024).