Ready for
Hydrogen!
An ambitious project
H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline system
Our “H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline System” (H2 Readiness TAG) project is a core element of the Austrian and European hydrogen programme. This project aims to repurpose an existing pipeline owned by TAG GmbH to transport hydrogen (H2) between the Italian-Austrian border (Arnoldstein) and the Austrian-Slovakian border (Baumgarten). Our project will make a significant contribution to the sustainable, carbon-neutral energy future of Austrian and European businesses. Find out more about this groundbreaking H2 project and its integration into Europe’s hydrogen strategy here.
To ensure a sustainable and future-proof energy supply for Europe, it is imperative that we actively pursue the expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure
About our project
Hydrogen in the TAG Pipeline System
The project goal is to convert parts of our existing pipeline system so that they can safely transport hydrogen and thereby create a hydrogen supply corridor between the Italian-Austrian border (Arnoldstein) and the Austrian-Slovakian border (Baumgarten). We intend to convert one of our three existing pipelines for the transportation of pure hydrogen. The conversion includes all the necessary technical equipment such as compressors, metering stations and supply and discharge lines. The 380km-long hydrogen pipeline will have an import capacity of 168 GWh per day, which equates to up to 1.5 million tonnes of hydrogen per year, and will enable the importation of low-cost hydrogen from production areas in North Africa into Europe. Thanks to the bidirectional design, it will also be possible to transport hydrogen from other sources against the main flow direction (in reverse flow).
Our pipeline system in Baumgarten connects to the H2 WAG pipeline of Gas Connect Austria GmbH and the H2 pipeline of eustream, a.s.,. This connection is perfectly suited to the planned pipeline conversion of the ” H2 Readiness TAG” project and will help to supply industrial sites in Austria (Vienna, Linz and Styria, for example) and southern Germany (such as Bavaria) with sustainable hydrogen. At the same time, it offers the potential to connect sources in eastern and south-eastern Europe in the future.
“H2Readiness TAG” will thus make a significant contribution to the future security of supply, enable the decarbonisation of the Austrian and European economies
This will create an attractive and competitive market for hydrogen in countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
The “H2 Readiness TAG” project design is deliberately flexible, providing for a cost-effective, needs-based hydrogen transport infrastructure that will accommodate the growth in the market projected for the first few years while remaining responsive to actual demand. Should demand prove to be higher than forecast, additional compressor capacity – including a second pipeline – can be added. If the forecasts prove to be overly optimistic, investments can be postponed.
Europe's economy and industry will benefit significantly from the availability of hydrogen as an alternative, sustainable form of energy
Hydrogen for a sustainable energy future
Hydrogen for a sustainable future and affordable security of supply
Hydrogen is a key enabler for a sustainable energy future. Not only is it easily transportable and storable, but it can also be produced without climate impact. It therefore bridges the distance and the timespan created by fluctuating production of renewables and inflexible consumption patterns. It is also an indispensable energy source for helping industries achieve climate targets, particularly when high-temperature processes are involved. Unsurprisingly, current studies predict a rapidly growing demand for hydrogen in Europe in the coming years. A survey undertaken by Austrian Gas Grid Management AG (AGGM) revealed that Austrian industry expects to require 12 terawatt hours (TWh) of hydrogen annually by 2030 and 47 TWh by 2040. The forecasts for neighbouring countries such as Germany are similar. This is why it is important to accelerate the development of the hydrogen infrastructure without delay to guarantee a sustainable and more independent energy supply for Europe in the future.
As a carbon-neutral raw material, green hydrogen is a key enabler of sustainable industries, facilitating the continued expansion of renewable energy
The project at a glance
- Conversion and repurposing of one of three existing gas pipelines (380km) for hydrogen
- Conversion or construction of compressor and metering stations
- Hydrogen transport capacity of 168 GWh per day – up to 1.5 million tonnes annually
- Hydrogen transport corridor to the EU via the Mediterranean from North Africa
- Secure supply of hydrogen to Austrian and European industry
- Bidirectional transport possible
- Basis for the Austrian hydrogen distribution network
- Enabling a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy future
- Establishing an attractive hydrogen market for Central and Eastern Europe
European Hydrogen Backbone
We are part of
the European
hydrogen strategy
” H2 Readiness of the TAG Pipeline System” is part of the future European hydrogen network. Our project is located in the Adriatic H2 Corridor at the interface to the South-Eastern H2 Corridor and the Eastern Corridor in accordance with the REPowerEU objectives and, together with partner projects, provides the basis for connecting to North Africa. ” H2 Readiness TAG” is also part of the visionary European Hydrogen Backbone, which is already being realised. We are a member of the EHB initiative, comprising a group of 33 energy infrastructure operators united by the shared vision of a decarbonised Europe made possible through the expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure. With the aim of developing the required infrastructure as an integral part of the network in a timely manner, we are active members of two initiatives of transmission system operators who share information on individual routes, promote their development, and coordinate the routes.
- The “SoutH H2-Corridor” initiative’s hydrogen route runs along the pipeline systems of SNAM S.p.A in Italy and our TAG GmbH in Austria via the network of Gas Connect Austria GmbH and then on to Bavaria via the pipeline system of bayernets GmbH. The corridor enjoys the widespread support of potential producers and consumers along the route the political support of Italy, Austria and Germany, who have signed a joint letter of support. More information, the SoutH2Corridor video and further links about the individual projects, the TSOs, supporting partners and contact information can be found on our joint website: www.south2corridor.net. Explore here the SouthH2Corridor flyer “Our connection for a clean future”.
- The “SunsHyne Corridor” initiative’s hydrogen route also runs along the pipeline systems of SNAM in Italy and our TAG GmbH in Austria, but then continues northwards to Germany via Slovakia and the Czech Republic. For more information on the SunsHyne Corridor initiative see www.sunshynecorridor.eu
The common goal of both initiatives and routes is to create a robust transport infrastructure capable of delivering hydrogen from North Africa across the Mediterranean in order to meet Europe’s growing demand for hydrogen
Project status
“H2 Readiness of the TAG Pipeline System” project received the PCI status from the European Commission on 8 April 2024.
We are currently conducting feasibility studies.
Start of operation scheduled for: 2030
The project is supported by leading players from the world of politics and business, including the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK). Moreover, many companies located along the planned hydrogen corridor are in favour of the project. You can find out more on the websites of each of the routes. ” H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline system” has been submitted to the European Commission and received the PCI status on 8 April 2024. In Austria, the project is part of the Coordinated Network Development Plan.
Contact person for the project:
Florian Ahammer
Phone: +43 1 597 51 16
Email: commercialservices@taggmbh.at
