- Three multinationals collaborate on “H2 Notos” to export Tunisia’s green hydrogen to Europe via a pipeline.
- Initial production targets 200,000 tonnes yearly, scalable to 1 million tonnes.
- Leveraging Tunisia’s solar and wind resources, the project aids Europe’s renewable goals.
Three multinational corporations spearhead a transformative initiative to redefine Tunisia’s green energy landscape and contribute significantly to Europe’s renewable energy goals. This pioneering endeavour involves producing and exporting green hydrogen from Tunisia’s southern region to European markets through an innovative undersea pipeline traversing the Mediterranean.
Officially unveiled on May 28 in Tunis, the Tunisian capital, with the signing of a landmark partnership agreement, the “H2 Notos” project represents a collaborative effort between industry giants TotalEnergies. Eren Group and Verbund operate under TE H2, a joint venture dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
David Corchia, the esteemed Managing Director of TE H2, lauded the agreement as a pivotal milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable future, emphasizing the extensive deliberations and meticulous planning that preceded this momentous occasion.
At the core of the “H2 Notos” project lies a comprehensive strategy to harness the abundant renewable energy resources prevalent in southern Tunisia, particularly solar and wind power, to fuel hydrogen production through electrolysis using desalinated seawater.
Initial projections indicate a production capacity of 200,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with ambitious plans to scale up operations to a staggering 1 million tonnes annually. This underscores the project’s significant potential to meet burgeoning demand in European markets.
A crucial component of the project’s infrastructure is the SoutH2 Corridor, a state-of-the-art pipeline spanning over 3,300 kilometres and designed to facilitate the seamless transportation of hydrogen from North Africa to key destinations in Europe, including Italy, Austria, and Germany. Endorsed by the European Commission, this ambitious undertaking is pivotal in realising the continent’s vision for a carbon-neutral future.
As the project advances into the implementation phase, rigorous technical assessments and ongoing collaboration with Tunisian authorities will be essential to ensure its feasibility and success. Verbund, one of the project’s key partners, will also facilitate hydrogen transportation to Central Europe, cementing the project’s strategic importance in the region’s energy landscape.
The widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source in Africa may still be several years away. Industry experts cite technological advancements as a critical prerequisite. However, the “H2 Notos” project is a beacon of hope and progress in Tunisia’s journey towards energy sustainability.
Against the backdrop of Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, fueled by the nation’s vast solar potential as outlined by the Agence Nationale pour la Maîtrise de l’Energie (ANME), the emergence of the “H2 Notos” project represents a significant stride forward in the quest for a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.