In a significant step towards Ukraine’s integration in European value chains, realization of Ukraine Plan and enhancing European energy security, the Gas TSO of Ukraine, along with several key organizations and companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish and support the implementation of the full end-to-end hydrogen value chain initiative “Ukraine–EU Hydrogen Corridor”. The signing took place with representatives from Gas TSO of Ukraine, Stadtwerke München, Wien Energie, Open Grid Europe, bayernets, NET4GAS, eustream, CWP Europe, Hydrogen Ukraine, UDPR Hydrogen, and several other companies. The MOU outlines the collaborative efforts to harness Ukraine’s renewable energy potential and integrate it into the European energy market.
This catalytic initiative aims to develop renewable power and hydrogen production in Ukraine and facilitate its transport via pipeline through Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany for offtake in these countries after 2030. This consortium is the logical next step towards implementation of the “Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and Ukraine on a Strategic Partnership on Biomethane, Hydrogen and other Synthetic Gases” signed in 2023. It also builds upon the roundtable discussion during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Berlin in June last year. The initiative not only strengthens Ukraine’s position as a key energy partner to Central Europe but also promises significant benefits for the Ukrainian people by creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
The corridor will encompass the production of renewable hydrogen in Ukraine, leveraging the country’s abundant renewable energy potential. The hydrogen will then be transported via the existing pipeline network, parts of which are planned to be repurposed for hydrogen, to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany, ensuring a reliable and competitive green hydrogen supply for the Central European region post 2030.
The MOU also highlights the importance of joint efforts in infrastructure investment and regulatory alignment to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The collaboration between the signatories is expected to pave the way for future advancements in the hydrogen sector and strengthen the ties between Ukraine and the EU. The convening of the consortium was initiated by the Ukraine Green Industrial Recovery Platform, that is, among others, led by Systemiq and supported by Breakthrough Energy, McKinsey and Company and endorsed by the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.
“The Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor is a testament to our commitment to sustainable energy and regional cooperation. We thank all organisations involved who will drive progress on the necessary projects and infrastructure. This is a long-term project, but project preparation can and should be starting now,” said Dmytro Lyppa, CEO of Gas TSO of Ukraine. “On our end, we plan to complete the technical feasibility study for repurposing parts of the pipeline network over the next 12–18 months, in close coordination with other European TSOs involved in the initiative”
Speaking on the announcement, Dr. Matthias Jenn, CEO of bayernets GmbH, said,
“Importing green hydrogen via the Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor can become an important factor for the supply of industrial centers in Central Europe, where the German hydrogen core network can be a hydrogen hub in the future. The Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor initiative can also benefit from the studies of the H2EU+Store project. This existing transnational joint project maps the entire hydrogen value chain and can be a concrete mosaic stone for further considerations. To link H2 production and demand in a diversified, resilient market, we need a strong hydrogen infrastructure including storage facilities”.
Dimitar Enchev, Co-founder and CEO at CWP Europe, added:
“Rebuilding Ukraine as a strong and resilient energy hub is dependent on the strength and dedication of the partners committed to it. We are confident that we have the right combination of committed stakeholders to embark on such an ambitious project, thus ensuring Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and energy independence”
Rastislav Ňukovič, CEO of eustream a.s., highlighted that:
“Slovakia and Ukraine are neighbouring countries with over 50 years of mutual cooperation in gas transmission, serving the needs of European customers. We are ready to build on this partnership and expand our collaboration into the promising field of the hydrogen economy.”
“This commitment by key industry players is a strong signal that Ukraine has the potential to become an important supplier of cost-competitive clean energy to Central Europe. It will help address critical energy and competitiveness challenges we face in Europe and be fundamental to Ukraine’s green recovery after the war ends,” said Julia Reinaud, Senior Director – Europe, Breakthrough Energy.
