The Southern Hydrogen Corridor (SoutH2) is set to become a strategic axis to ensure Italy's future supply of clean hydrogen while strengthening energy links between North Africa and Europe. This was emphasized by the Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, during his speech at the second ministerial meeting on the project in Algiers.
"Italy sees hydrogen as a key solution for achieving decarbonization goals," the minister stated, describing the corridor as one of the "important pillars" of Italy's strategy for future supplies. Representatives from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Germany, and Austria attended the summit. This meeting follows the first five-nation ministerial meeting held in Rome in January 2025.
Link to A 3,300-Kilometer Corridor Connecting Africa and EuropeA 3,300-Kilometer Corridor Connecting Africa and Europe
The SoutH2 aims to establish a major infrastructure to transport hydrogen produced in North Africa to the heart of Europe. The corridor is expected to stretch approximately 3,300 kilometers, utilizing both the conversion of existing energy infrastructures and the construction of new pipelines.
Italy will play a central role in this system: the project plans to use infrastructures connecting Algeria to the Peninsula via Tunisia, continuing on to Austria and Germany. According to Pichetto, the ability to repurpose some of the existing pipelines is a key factor in making the project feasible.
Link to Algeria's RoleAlgeria's Role
Special attention is given to Algeria's potential in producing hydrogen for the European market. The minister highlighted Italy's interest in the initial findings of studies on transporting hydrogen from the North African country. The goal is to find solutions that are both sustainable and economically competitive, achievable within timelines compatible with the future European demand.
For Pichetto, the project should not be limited to building energy infrastructure but can also serve as a tool for industrial cooperation. "It's important to create an opportunity for economic cooperation and a robust hydrogen market linking Europe and North Africa," he said, hoping for greater involvement from businesses in the countries along the corridor.
Link to Why SoutH2 is Strategic for ItalyWhy SoutH2 is Strategic for Italy
According to the minister, the project is even more significant given the current geopolitical and energy landscape. The dual aim is to contribute to the decarbonization of sectors where emissions are hardest to reduce and to diversify Europe's energy supply sources and routes.
Thanks to its geographical position and existing connections with North Africa, Italy aims to become a major entry point for hydrogen into the European market.
Link to Italy's New Hydrogen RegulationsItaly's New Hydrogen Regulations
Alongside infrastructure development, Rome is working on establishing the regulatory framework necessary for the new market. Pichetto mentioned the adoption of the European directive on gas and hydrogen markets, defining national rules and identifying the competent authority.
In January 2026, Italy also set targets for 2040 for the use of renewable hydrogen in industry and transport. According to the minister, ensuring demand certainty will be crucial to persuading companies to invest in both production and the necessary transport infrastructure.
Link to Support from the European UnionSupport from the European Union
The Southern Hydrogen Corridor has already been recognized by the European Union as a Project of Common Interest and a Project of Mutual Interest and is included in the Global Gateway framework. These recognitions can facilitate the search for necessary resources and encourage the involvement of the European Commission and multilateral financial institutions.
Meanwhile, Italy, Germany, and Austria are intensifying coordination on the project. The relevant ministries of the three European countries traversed by the future corridor met in Rome recently. Among the options being considered is the creation of a secretariat under the aegis of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), aiming to stabilize coordination among all involved states.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved