Power Grid

The Southern Hydrogen Corridor project, aimed at connecting North Africa with Europe, marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with a key development that will accelerate the implementation of this ambitious initiative. The first ministerial meeting focused on the project took place in Rome, with the participation of energy ministers from six countries, including Algeria and Tunisia. This meeting is a crucial step toward advancing the hydrogen corridor, which will link production sites in Algeria and Tunisia to the European Union.

The meeting was attended by various high-level officials, including Algerian Minister of Energy Mohamed Araqab, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Piccitto Fratan, and German Minister of Economy and Climate Protection Philipp Niemermann.

Representatives from the Ministry of Climate Action, Environment and Energy of Austria, the Tunisian Ambassador to Italy, as well as observers from the European Union Commission and Switzerland, were also present. A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a joint declaration of political intent, confirming the parties’ commitment to enhancing cooperation on the Southern Hydrogen Corridor project.

Under the Joint Declaration, the parties recognized the immense renewable energy potential in Algeria and Tunisia, particularly for the production of green hydrogen. They also acknowledged the importance of strengthening energy security between North Africa and the EU to support green growth.

The signatories emphasized the development of hydrogen plants and the associated infrastructure to accelerate the energy transition and help achieve global climate goals. They also stressed the need to attract investments to the region, stimulate job creation, and foster innovation.

The Southern Hydrogen Corridor project, once completed, will feature a dedicated 3,300 km hydrogen pipeline linking Algeria, Tunisia, and Europe, with major European operators leading the project. Expected to be operational by 2030, this corridor is seen as a critical component of Europe’s hydrogen transmission network, enhancing energy security and contributing to the EU’s renewable energy targets. With an import capacity of over 4 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year from North Africa, the corridor is poised to supply a substantial portion of the EU’s hydrogen demand, positioning Algeria as a key player in the green hydrogen industry.