Developing and optimising a hydrogen economy in Europe’s Greater Region.

Creos Deutschland, Encevo, GazelEnergie, GRTgaz, H2V, Hydrogène de France, SHS – Stahl- Holding-Saar GmbH and Steag GmbH have united to form a European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) known as “Grande Region Hydrogen” (GRH). The EEIG members have set themselves the individual and joint objective of establishing an integrated, closely networked cross-border hydrogen ecosystem for the whole Greater Region, connecting projects throughout the value chain, from production to transportation, delivery and consumption. The “Grande Region Hydrogen” initiative is made up of interdependent projects and will foster synergy.

The scope currently encompasses the federal state of Saarland (Germany), Lorraine (in France’s Grand-Est region) and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The objective is to develop and optimise an integrated hydrogen economy by taking advantage of the favourable conditions in those regions.

Environmental impact

The GRH will contribute to the decarbonisation of the steel industry and transport sector, in accordance with the targets set by the European Commission and the Green Deal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with the ecosystem due to reduce CO2 emissions by over 980,000 tonnes a year by 2030.

Social impact

The GRH initiative will also allow transformation of the Carling/Saint-Avold and Völklingen hubs, for them to move to the mass production of hydrogen through electrolysis, thus providing new stimulus at the very heart of Europe. It is expected that over 140 new direct jobs and 230 indirect jobs will be created, entailing the development of university research programmes and courses with a vocational focus.

Economic impact

Lastly, GRH projects will contribute to the region’s economic growth and enhance its appeal, with significant investments (over €600 million for the production facilities and transport infrastructure) to produce up to 61,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year. The transport infrastructure as a whole will generate economic gains by optimising the match between supply and demand as new links open up. This effect of scale will help cut the end cost of renewable hydrogen, which is an important stage in the development of a European market for hydrogen.

The GRH initiative will also help boost the appeal of this cross-border region as it has the potential to open up a new chapter for industry in the post-coal era, based on competitively priced green energy.

For more details on each member project, visit  www.grande-region-hydrogen.eu