Fluxys, the infrastructure operator, has officially launched the first phase of its hydrogen pipeline network in Belgium. The new pipelines will be built in the port areas of Antwerp and Ghent, as well as connecting these two ports (from Kallo to Zelzate), providing critical transport capacity for the hydrogen market. This network will operate under an open-access model and will incorporate multi-purpose technology.
The first phase of the hydrogen pipeline network is scheduled to be completed by 2026, with gradual expansions planned over the years, in line with market development. These expansions will depend on government mechanisms to reduce investment risks in the initial market phase.
Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys Hydrogen and CEO of Fluxys Belgium, emphasized, “We are proud to start building this infrastructure, which is crucial for decarbonizing industry. This step marks Fluxys’ commitment to playing a key role in the energy transition.”
In 2023, Fluxys established a subsidiary, Fluxys Hydrogen, to focus on developing the infrastructure for hydrogen transport. In April 2024, Fluxys Hydrogen was officially designated as the operator responsible for managing and developing Belgium’s open-access hydrogen transport network.
This pipeline network is the first major step in establishing a hydrogen economy, providing the transport backbone that allows both producers and consumers to connect, in line with the company’s role as Belgium’s Hydrogen Network Operator.