Fluxys, the natural gas transporter, is currently undertaking a significant project to construct a new pipeline that will enhance the transportation of natural gas from the port of Zeebrugge to Germany.The 44-kilometer-long pipeline, located between the port of Ghent and Opwijk, is set to double the transport capacity and eliminate the existing bottleneck in the connection. Excitingly, this pipeline will also be the first in Fluxys’ network that is designed to transport hydrogen in the future, reflecting the company’s forward-thinking approach.
Increasing Energy Transport Capacity
The new pipeline will substantially increase the throughput capacity from Zeebrugge to Germany, allowing for the transportation of approximately 15 gigawatt hours (GWh) of additional energy per hour. To put this into perspective, it is equivalent to the energy production of almost 15 times the largest nuclear reactor in Belgium, Doel 4. By effectively eliminating the bottleneck in the Belgian section of the pipeline network, Germany’s gas supply chain will be significantly strengthened.
Addressing Germany’s Gas Supply Needs
Following the conflict in Ukraine, Germany faced challenges in its gas supply, as most of its Russian gas imports were disrupted. With the closure of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which supplied 73 GWh per hour, Germany had to explore alternative options. Belgium emerged as a reliable partner, capable of pumping substantial amounts of gas from west to east through its LNG terminal in Zeebrugge and its pipelines with Norway and Great Britain. By expanding the pipeline network and resolving the bottleneck issue, Fluxys will enable the transport of approximately 30 GWh of gas per hour to Germany, helping to bridge the gap left by the closure of Nord Stream 1.
Preparing for the Hydrogen Economy
Fluxys’ new pipeline not only serves the immediate need for natural gas transport but also looks toward the future. It is the first segment of Fluxys’ 4,000-kilometer Belgian network explicitly equipped to transport hydrogen. As governments and industries worldwide increasingly embrace the transition to a sustainable economy, hydrogen is emerging as a promising energy carrier. Fluxys plans to develop a comprehensive hydrogen network, adapting existing natural gas pipelines and constructing new links. The pipeline between Desteldonk and Opwijk marks a significant step in this direction, as Belgium positions itself to become a hub for hydrogen transport.
Legislative Framework and Competition
While Fluxys aims to spearhead the hydrogen transportation network, it faces challenges and competition from other industry players. The French group Air Liquide already operates the world’s largest hydrogen network, spanning 613 kilometers. However, this network’s limited capacity necessitates the development of pipelines capable of transporting the large quantities of hydrogen anticipated in the future. Legislation proposed by Federal Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten seeks to establish a legal framework for hydrogen transport, designating Fluxys as the manager of the new hydrogen network. However, concerns have been raised by Air Liquide, emphasizing the need for fair competition and the involvement of other experienced players in the hydrogen sector.
