The Southern Hydrogen Corridor: Strengthening Energy Security and Driving Green Growth Between North Africa and Europe

The Southern Hydrogen Corridor project, a groundbreaking initiative linking North Africa with Europe, has reached a significant milestone with its first ministerial meeting. High-level officials and energy ministers from six countries, including Algeria and Tunisia, convened in Rome to advance plans for this transformative hydrogen corridor, designed to connect hydrogen production sites in North Africa to the European Union.

Joint Declaration Reinforces Commitment

The meeting culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration of Political Intent, reaffirming participating nations’ commitment to the development of the corridor. This initiative aims to leverage Algeria and Tunisia’s renewable energy resources, particularly for green hydrogen production, while enhancing energy security between North Africa and the EU.

Key attendees included:

• Mohamed Arkab, Algerian Minister of Energy
• Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security
• Philipp Nimmermann, German State Secretary for Economy and Climate Protection
• Representatives from Austria’s Ministry of Climate Action
• The Tunisian Ambassador to Italy
• Observers from the European Commission and Switzerland

Advancing Green Hydrogen and Economic Growth

The Southern Hydrogen Corridor will feature a 3,300-kilometer hydrogen pipeline, connecting Algeria, Tunisia, and Europe, with major European energy operators leading the project. Set to launch in 2030, the corridor is expected to supply over 4 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually to the EU, contributing significantly to Europe’s clean energy transition.

The Joint Declaration outlined three key priorities:
✔ Accelerating the development of hydrogen production plants and supporting infrastructure.
✔ Attracting investments to foster job creation and innovation.
✔ Advancing the energy transition to meet global climate goals.

This agreement underscores Algeria and Tunisia’s renewable energy potential, positioning Algeria as a key player in the global green hydrogen market.

Strengthening Europe’s Energy Security

The Southern Hydrogen Corridor is set to become a cornerstone of Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure, reinforcing the EU’s renewable energy objectives while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With its large-scale hydrogen import capacity, the project will boost green energy growth in both North Africa and Europe.

This ministerial meeting represents a major step forward in creating a sustainable and interconnected energy network, with ongoing international collaboration set to drive the project toward completion.