Photo: TAP
Seven Greek natural gas and hydrogen projects have been included in the new ten-year development plan (TYNDP 2026) of the European Network Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSO-G).
The endeavors include the hydrogen interconnection between Bulgaria and Greece, scheduled for 2032. Greek network operator DESFA, the promoter, aims to transport 0.9 million tons per year.
The Cretan H2 Hub would consist of a hydrogen production plant in Crete and an export terminal, both developed by Eunice with the goal of becoming operational by 2032.
The Energy Interconnector from Cyprus to Italy is an old project, comprising the EastMed and Poseidon natural gas pipelines, H2Poseidon pipeline and Ionian Energy Terminal. The original plan was to transfer gas from the Eastern Mediterranean, but it has been upgraded to include hydrogen by the project promoter, Poseidon. The two gas pipelines are expected to come online in 2029 and the hydrogen infrastructure would follow in 2034.
Separately listed is the expansion of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), a mature investment. Recently, the eponymous joint venture received an operation license for the new compressor station in Kipoi of Alexandroupoli, near the border with Turkey. Its capacity is projected to rise to 14.2 billion cubic meters per year from 10 billion.
Another Greek project in the ENTSO-G list is for the Thalis 1 electrolyzer facility, under development by Motor Oil, together with its connection to DESFA’s H2DRIA pipeline. They are targeted for launch of operations by 2032 and 2040, respectively.
The purpose of H2DRIA is to connect hydrogen production units located in the Greek mainland with potential consumption points in industrial areas in Athens, Corinth and Thessaloniki, as well as in neighboring countries, namely Bulgaria, Italy and possibly North Macedonia.
National system upgraded
Another large project is the H2L SE MED Reception Facility and its connection to the national system. So far, final investment decisions have been made for the natural gas pipeline connecting Nea Mesimvria to North Macedonia and the booster compression station in Nea Mesimvria. Both are expected to come online this year.
In addition, the duplication of the high-pressure branch between Karperi and Komotini in North Greece is at an advanced stage and set to start operations by 2028. Other works include the Komnina-Florovouni H2 pipeline (2035), the connection of DESFA’s system to the East Med pipeline (2032) and the reinforcement of the national system’s south section (2029).
More hydrogen projects in TYNDP 2026
It should be noted that all these projected dates in ENTSO-G’s list are theoretical. In general, green hydrogen investments have been delayed in Europe in recent years, while their competitiveness against hydrogen from fossil fuels has not improved notably. It remains to be seen whether the new energy crisis, a result of the war in the Middle East, will provide a new spark of life.
Hydrogen presence reflects growing project maturity
On a more positive note, ENTSO-G said that of the 345 projects in the new development plan, 243 directly refer to the development of hydrogen systems. It compares to 202 hydrogen projects submitted as part of the TYNDP 2024 process.
“The strong presence of hydrogen projects reflects growing project maturity and stakeholder engagement, while the evolution in natural gas submissions points to a more targeted and strategic approach to infrastructure development”, Piotr Kuś, ENTSOG General Director, commented.
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