'Final investment decision' taken on €110m Franco-German hydrogen pipeline project MosaHYc

The French segment of the network has proceeded with a Final Investment Decision (FID), while the German partner states that its FID hinges on state funding from the government. The MosaHYc project, a €110 million hydrogen pipeline venture involving France and Germany, has seen a significant development, with French utility Engie announcing that its subsidiary GRTgaz has greenlit the 90km pipeline. This pipeline aims to link green hydrogen producers in France's Moselle region and Germany's Saarland state with local consumers.

However, Creos Deutschland, the German gas network operator responsible for the Saarland section, emphasizes that their FID is contingent upon financial support from the German government. Despite GRTgaz's enthusiasm for the project's progress and scheduling the commissioning for 2027, Creos underscores the necessity of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) funding decision from the federal government.

GRTgaz plans to invest €40 million in their 50km pipeline, mostly converting existing natural gas pipes, while Creos commits €70 million for its approximately 40km section, including 20km of new pipes. The first consumer to be linked to the pipeline will be ROGESA, a joint venture between local steel companies, receiving up to 50,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually.

This project is hailed as a pioneer in establishing a transparent and inclusive cross-border hydrogen infrastructure, facilitating the growth of the European hydrogen market. Cécile Prévieu, Vice President of Engie, emphasizes the strategic significance of MosaHYc as the inaugural Franco-German connection, laying the groundwork for an extensive European hydrogen network and promoting renewable, low-carbon hydrogen markets.

The supplier of green hydrogen to ROGESA via the MosaHYc network remains undisclosed, with SHS initiating a tender for the supply of 50,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen to Dillingen. GRTgaz, an Engie subsidiary, holds a majority stake in the project, with French bank Caisse des Dépôts owning the remainder. Initially envisioned as a 100km project, MosaHYc holds promise for advancing hydrogen infrastructure development in Europe.