OUR Spain and France they set the project budget yesterday underwater pipeline which will connect the two countries, but will eventually transmit hydrogen and no natural gas as intended by its original design. The estimated cost of the project, which is 2.5 billion euros, was announced yesterday by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, while he stressed that the gas pipeline will be ready and will begin operation in 2030. Relevant statements were made at the Mediterranean meeting. countries of Spain, France and Portugal, held yesterday in the city of Alicante with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

Chairman of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who was also present at the meeting, expressed the European Commission’s support for the gas pipeline, which could be critical as Mediterranean countries seek “the maximum possible” funding from the EU. The hydrogen pipeline linking Barcelona and Marseille will be one of the largest and most expensive infrastructure projects in the EU. in terms of its adaptation to the energy crisis and new needs that arose after the blockade of Russian hydrocarbons. In addition, the EU is already prioritizing hydrogen as an alternative energy source as part of its policy to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

After all, the decision to build a hydrogen transport infrastructure marks a significant change from the plans the two countries drew up in October, when they announced them, saying it would transport natural gas first, with the fuel to be replaced at a later stage. hydrogen when the so-called green technologies that will facilitate this become more mature. With this shift, it will be easier for the project to receive funding from the EU, since the funds have so far been earmarked for financing infrastructure powered by fossil fuels. As a Spanish official noted yesterday, “the rules applicable to EU funding, they assume that it will be exclusively a hydrogen pipeline, so now it is a priority.” Three countries will apply for funding that could theoretically cover up to 50% of the total construction cost.