CWP signs Memorandum on Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor
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”. 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, and will be a landmark project for Ukraine’s recovery and economic development.
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 H2Global Foundation [use of names to be confirmed]. The MOU outlines the collaborative efforts to harness Ukraine's renewable energy potential and integrate it into the European energy market.
“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 for realising Ukraine’s potential in the renewable hydrogen sector while simultaneously supporting the EU's energy transition goals. This is the long-term project, but project preparation can and should be starting now. 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,” said Dmytro Lyppa, CEO of Gas TSO of Ukraine.
Optional quotes from other participants [to be confirmed].
“After the war, Ukraine may become an important supplier of cost-competitive clean energy to Central Europe. This will help to address the challenges of EU’s decarbonization and competitiveness and will also be a boost to Ukraine’s green recovery – that is why we have been supporting this initiative,” said Julia Reinaud, Senior Director of Breakthrough Energy [to be confirmed].
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 renewable 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 energy ties between Ukraine and the EU.