Europe has an ambitious target of achieving net carbon neutrality in the next two decades. To achieve this, many countries will have to cooperate and jointly invest in new infrastructure and technology.

Spain and Portugal could access hydrogen shipped from the Americas, but there is no efficient transport route between Western and Central Europe. One plan is the HM2ed pipeline to transport green hydrogen from Spain and Portugal to Central Europe via France.

Construction of the HM2ed pipeline is set to begin in 2022. Building the infrastructure will take time, so the pipeline may not be fully operational until 2030.

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Hydrogen transport route across Europe. Photo: WEF

The new route would give European companies and governments access to 2 million tonnes of green hydrogen. The project could cost around €2.5 billion.

Building pipelines instead of mining gives Europe better access to this important source of environmentally friendly energy.

Energy-intensive industries like manufacturing and transportation cannot rely on solar and wind if they are to maintain their current growth rates. Hydrogen is an alternative fuel.

Hydrogen is an element on the periodic table that contains only one electron, making it very light and unstable. On Earth, hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water. In its pure state, hydrogen can burn when combined with other elements, and the reaction produces energy.

Green hydrogen will become increasingly important as major industries try to reduce carbon emissions.

Many companies have been extracting hydrogen from natural gas, but that creates more carbon dioxide and pollutes the atmosphere. That's why European countries are focusing on transporting only green hydrogen.

To get the hydrogen needed by 2030, Central European companies need access to millions of tonnes of hydrogen. The HM2ed pipeline meets Europe’s growing hydrogen demand, aiming to supply 10% of the region’s hydrogen needs. The project will improve energy security in Europe and promote sustainable development.

Despite the high cost of the project and the challenge of complying with strict European regulations, Spain, Portugal and France are still moving forward with the project.

Zero-emission seaplane powered by hydrogen The zero-emission seaplane powered by hydrogen promises to provide convenient short-haul transportation in the near future.

(According to Ecoticia)