Fluxys Belgium, an infrastructure company, has partnered with Sweco, a European engineering consultancy, to develop a pipeline network for transporting hydrogen and CO2.

Sweco has been awarded the assignment to conduct a feasibility study and preliminary research into several hydrogen routes in Ghent and Antwerp. The complete study assignment covers around 70 km of pipelines.

Large volumes of hydrogen are important for enabling climate and energy transition, and the ports of Ghent and Antwerp will play leading roles as European hubs for the transportation of hydrogen and other green molecules. As an engineering partner, Sweco will contribute to a sustainable and climate positive society through its involvement in the project.

The Belgian government has committed to support the development of at least 150 km of hydrogen and CO2 transportation pipelines in Belgium and is providing financial support through various funds, such as the Energy Transition Fund, to the project. Sweco’s assignment started in October 2022 and will end in January 2024. The first hydrogen and/or CO2 grid connections are planned to be commissioned in 2026.

The development of a hydrogen pipeline network is a critical step towards a zero-carbon economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is considered to be a key enabler of the energy transition, as it can be produced from renewable energy sources and can be used as a clean fuel for transportation, heating and industrial processes.