Hydrogen Infrastructure Expansion Accelerates Across Europe and North Africa

The global push toward a sustainable, low-carbon energy future is manifesting through rapid advancements in hydrogen infrastructure across Europe and North Africa. Governments, energy giants, and regional consortia are orchestrating a multi-pronged strategy—expanding refueling stations, developing pipelines, investing in research facilities, and reserving land for large-scale green hydrogen projects. These initiatives are foundational to establishing a resilient hydrogen economy capable of decarbonizing industrial sectors, powering mobility, and opening export opportunities.

Key Recent Developments Reinforcing the Momentum

Growing Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure

In Poland, ORLEN, a leading state-controlled oil refiner, has marked a significant milestone by opening its fifth public hydrogen refueling station. This expansion underscores the increasing availability of hydrogen fueling options in Central Europe, supporting zero-emission mobility and encouraging the adoption of hydrogen-fueled vehicles. As governments and private companies recognize the importance of infrastructure readiness, such stations are critical to building consumer confidence and operational viability for hydrogen-powered transport.

Pipeline Projects and Strategic Investments

One of the most prominent regional initiatives is the H₂East pipeline proposal in the UK. This underground pipeline is designed to connect the Humber region—home to a burgeoning hydrogen production hub—to Nottinghamshire, creating a regional network that will facilitate industrial decarbonization and export potential. The UK government has responded with substantial support, with bids totaling around £500 million (approximately $674 million) submitted by a consortium of energy leaders to fund the development of the Humber hydrogen pipeline network. This funding aims to accelerate pipeline construction, ensuring reliable hydrogen supply for industrial and energy uses.

Further solidifying the UK's hydrogen ambitions, major energy firms have united in a collaborative bid to establish the country's first integrated hydrogen network. This coalition aims to link multiple regional hydrogen hubs, creating a seamless transport and distribution system that enhances energy security and supports decarbonization targets.

In tandem, Cadent, a leading UK gas distribution network operator, has appointed DNV to oversee the detailed design of a new hydrogen pipeline. This project exemplifies how existing natural gas infrastructure is being adapted for hydrogen, paving the way for a smoother transition and infrastructure modernization.

Research and Safety Facilities

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is actively tendering a gaseous hydrogen pressure reduction station, designed to support ongoing research and development efforts. This facility will enable safer handling, testing, and experimentation with hydrogen at various pressures, fostering innovation while ensuring safety standards keep pace with industry growth.

Land Reservations for Green Hydrogen Production

North Africa, particularly Morocco, continues to position itself as a strategic player in green hydrogen development. Moeve and TAQA Morocco are actively reserving land for large-scale green hydrogen projects that leverage the region’s abundant renewable energy resources—solar and wind—to produce clean hydrogen for both domestic use and export markets. These projects aim to develop gigawatt-scale green hydrogen facilities, which could revolutionize the regional energy landscape and serve as a model for other nations with rich renewable resources.

Significance and Future Outlook

These developments collectively illustrate a comprehensive and coordinated effort to build a resilient, interconnected hydrogen infrastructure. The pipeline projects, supported by substantial government funding and private sector collaboration, are designed to create regional hydrogen corridors that promote industrial decarbonization and enable export opportunities. The expansion of refueling stations ensures that hydrogen mobility becomes more accessible, while research facilities guarantee that safety and technological standards evolve in tandem with industry growth.

While routine gas pipeline upgrades—such as the ongoing maintenance of the Exeter Buddle Lane project—are primarily focused on natural gas infrastructure, they reflect a broader trend of infrastructure modernization that can facilitate future hydrogen integration.

Implications for the Energy Transition

These advancements signify a rapid acceleration of the hydrogen economy in Europe and North Africa. Governments are recognizing hydrogen’s potential as a versatile energy vector for sectors challenging to electrify directly, such as heavy industry, shipping, and long-haul transport. The regional pipeline networks, coupled with strategic land reservations and safety research, are laying the groundwork for a robust, scalable hydrogen ecosystem.

As these projects move from planning to implementation, they will serve as models for other regions seeking to harness hydrogen’s clean energy potential. The coming years will be pivotal in transforming these initiatives into tangible pathways for decarbonization, energy security, and economic growth.

Current Status: The pipeline projects are progressing, with significant funding secured and design work underway. Hydrogen refueling stations continue to expand across Europe, and large green hydrogen projects are poised to commence construction in North Africa. The momentum indicates that hydrogen infrastructure development is now firmly embedded in the broader energy transition agenda, promising a cleaner, more resilient energy future.