Cross-border transportation of hydrogen: RHYn Interco connects France and Baden-Württemberg

Together with the French partner project RHYn the project is listed on the sixth and currently valid Union list for Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI). The valid Union list is updated every two years.

An overview of all approved projects can be found on the PCI-PMI transparency platform, provided by the European Commission.

The revised Regulation on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E Regulation, 2022/869) has been in force since June 2022. A central regulatory area of the TEN-E Regulation is the selection procedure for PCI and PMI projects. PCIs are intended to close gaps in the infrastructure of the European energy network and are characterized by economic, social and environmental benefits for at least two Member States. Infrastructure projects designated as PMI connect the Union's energy networks with those of third countries. PCIs and PMIs are combined in a Union list, which is adopted by the Commission every two years as a delegated act.

The TEN-E Regulation facilitates the timely implementation of projects on the Union list through the streamlining and closer coordination of national approval procedures. By accelerating the implementation of projects, regions cut off from the European energy markets can be better integrated, existing cross-border connections strengthened and renewable energies integrated. At the same time, this will make an important contribution to security of supply.

Source: Bundesnetzagentur - Projects of Common Interest (PCI)

All project partners are responsible for the conversion or new construction of pipelines in their respective grid areas. The French gas transport network operator NaTran (former GRTgaz) is implementing the hydrogen network in the Grand Est region (France) with its "RHYn” project. terranets bw and badenovaNETZE are taking over new construction and conversion pipelines in South Baden (Germany) with "RHYn Interco”. 

This will give the Upper Rhine region access to a pipeline network in Baden-Württemberg that will transport 100 percent hydrogen. Hydrogen produced in France and imported hydrogen can thus be supplied to industrial and mobility customers throughout the region. As a result, CO₂ emissions can be sustainably reduced in the long term.