The so-called SouthH2 Corridor would connect North Africa, Italy, Austria and Germany, allowing renewable hydrogen produced in the Southern Mediterranean to reach European industries. Europe is attempting to kick start the production and import of renewable hydrogen – a fuel manufactured using renewable electricity – which countries are betting on to cut fossil fuel use in industrial processes such as steel-making. “We are planning a hydrogen transport through Austria, hooking up Switzerland, and into Germany,” Pichetto said. The plan was officially announced in May when energy ministers from Italy, Austria and Germany signed a cooperation agreement as part of an EU strategy to decarbonise its industry. Last year sources told Reuters Italy was in preliminary talks with Bavaria’s government to supply gas and hydrogen to the southern German state.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 25, 2024 13:43 UTC