Next step taken towards a hydrogen pipeline between Esbjerg and Fredericia

H2 Energy has plans to produce green hydrogen in Esbjerg with a need to transport hydrogen to Fredericia from 2026. Evida wish to support the market for hydrogen and Power-to-X with piped infrastructure where the demand is. On this basis, the two parties have now signed a memorandum of understanding, as an important step towards the realization of piped infrastructure for the transport of hydrogen.

Swiss H2 Energy has plans to establish a 1.2 GW electrolysis plant in Esbjerg, which will annually produce between 90,000 and 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen for heavy transport and industrial purposes. H2 Energy has now signed a memorandum of understanding with Evida regarding the piped transport of hydrogen from Esbjerg to Fredericia – the next step in the realization of the ambitions to deliver green fuel to customers.

„Hydrogen will play a vital role when we talk about the green transition in the energy sector. Evida and our technical team work closely together and I am confident that this partnership will successfully show other European countries that it can be done in 2-3 years. This declaration of intent also shows that we both have the same goal of supporting rapid development of the PtX industry and keeping Denmark in a leading position,“ emphasizes Clifford zur Nieden, CEO of H2 Energy Esbjerg.

Evida is currently conducting a feasibility study of the hydrogen pipeline between Esbjerg and Fredericia via Egtved. The preliminary study uncovers, among other things, the economic and technical prerequisites for establishing the hydrogen pipeline.

The hydrogen pipeline will connect large-scale hydrogen production from a number of producers on the West Coast with industry and green fuel production in the Triangle Region. The now signed memorandum of understanding with H2 Energy is another important step towards the realization of a pipeline hydrogen infrastructure.

„Hydrogen is set to be one of the cornerstones in our efforts to cover our entire energy consumption with green energy. If hydrogen production on a large scale is to be realized at home, the market has clearly indicated that there will be a need for infrastructure to transport the hydrogen between producers and consumers. The memorandum of understanding with H2 Energy marks an important step in the work to realize a Danish hydrogen infrastructure,“ says Peter Kristensen, Head of Strategy and Development at Evida.

Hydrogen infrastructure in Denmark must fulfill three tasks: It must support PtX production and the development of a strong domestic market, it must balance the electricity system, and it must allow for the export of hydrogen.

It is Evida’s assessment that, after approval, local hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure will be able to be established in 2-3 years and within 4-5 years on longer regional. Evida also expects that there will be major synergies from simultaneous development and operation of networks for methane, hydrogen and CO2.

Facts

• The hydrogen pipeline between Esbjerg and Fredericia via Egtved is 90 km.
• Market players on the route have indicated a need for available hydrogen infrastructure from 2026 to realize their plans.
• With the „Agreement on the development and promotion of hydrogen and green fuels“, the government and a broad majority in the Danish Parliament have given Evida and Energinet the opportunity to own and operate hydrogen infrastructure. Evida’s feasibility study for a hydrogen pipeline between Esbjerg and Fredericia is a preparatory step towards a possible realization of Danish hydrogen infrastructure, which is also part of the preparatory work towards the final distribution of roles and responsibilities falling into place.
• In a nationwide market survey, which Evida and Energinet carried out together with the Danish Energy Agency in autumn 2022, approximately 96 percent of the respondents stated that they have a need for a hydrogen infrastructure. Just under 95 percent of the producers and 70 percent of the consumers of hydrogen stated that the hydrogen infrastructure is indispensable or significantly strengthens the business case.
• The market players also expect that 87 percent of hydrogen production from 2030 onwards will be transported via pipes.