Ukraine-EU hydrogen corridor takes major step forward
A memorandum of understanding has laid the groundwork for the connection of Ukraine’s burgeoning hydrogen production grid to four EU states.
The creation of a hydrogen corridor connecting Ukraine’s power grid to the EU has taken a significant step forward after the signing of a cooperation agreement by the country’s natural gas transmission system operator, Gas TSO Ukraine.
Gas TSO’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) builds on a 2023 strategic partnership formed with the EU on Biomethane, Hydrogen and synthetic gases and will see the operator work with several companies from around the continent on the project.
Dymtro Lyppa, CEO of Gas TSO, said the corridor was a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable energy and regional cooperation.
He said: “We thank all organisations involved who will drive progress on the necessary projects and infrastructure. This is a long-term project, but project preparation can and should be starting now.”
The Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor would integrate the Eastern European country’s renewable energy potential into the European energy market, with initial connections expected in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany.
Work on the corridor will be supported by a range of companies including Stadtwerke München, Wien Energie, Open Grid Europe, bayernets, NET4GAS, eustream, CWP Europe, Hydrogen Ukraine, and UDPR Hydrogen.
During a Ukraine-EU hydrogen corridor roundtable back in June 2024, Ukraine highlighted the strategic advantages of hydrogen, addidng a recognition of Odesa as a leading hub in the hydrogen economy.
The consortium of companies was initiated by the Ukraine Green Industrial Recovery Platform, led by Systemiq and supported by Breakthrough Energy and McKinsey and Company.
The agreement comes as Ukraine continues to work towards strengthening its power grid amid its war with Russia, with the 2023 MoU stating the need to “diversify supplies” and phase out dependency on Russian energy imports.
Julia Reinaud, Senior Director of Breakthrough Energy Europe, said: “This commitment by key industry players is a strong signal that Ukraine has the potential to become an important supplier of cost-competitive clean energy to Central Europe.
“It will help address critical energy and competitiveness challenges we face in Europe and be fundamental to Ukraine’s green recovery after the war ends.”
According to Gas TSO, a technical feasibility study will now be carried out over the next 12-18 months on the repurposing of parts of its pipeline network to deliver hydrogen across the continent.
