Wasserstoff Trans Austria Gasleitung

About the project

H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline system

The project “H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline system” (in short “H2 Readiness TAG”) aims to technically upgrade parts of the existing pipeline system of Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH for the safe transport of hydrogen. A hydrogen supply corridor will be established between the Italian-Austrian border (Arnoldstein) and the Austrian-Slovakian border (Baumgarten). The plan is to convert one of three existing natural gas pipelines of Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH for the transport of pure hydrogen. The conversion includes all technically necessary equipment such as compressors, measuring stations, and supply and discharge lines. The hydrogen pipeline, which will be 380 km long in total, will have an import capacity of 168 GWh/day – that is, up to 1.5 million tonnes of hydrogen per year. This allows for low-cost hydrogen import to Europe from production areas in North Africa. Thanks to the bidirectional design, the hydrogen can also be transported against the main flow direction (via “reverse flow”).
In Baumgarten, the pipeline system of Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH connects to the H2 WAG pipeline of Gas Connect Austria and the H2 pipeline of EUSTREAM. Through these connections, the planned pipeline conversion of the “H2 Readiness TAG” project primarily contributes to the supply of industrial locations in Austria (e.g. Vienna, Linz and Styria) and southern Germany (e.g. Bavaria) with sustainable hydrogen. This will simultaneously create a connection to other future sources in eastern and southeastern Europe. The project will significantly contribute to future supply security and the decarbonisation of the domestic and European economy while creating an attractive and competitive market for hydrogen in Central and Eastern Europe.
Wasserstoff TAG

In view of the broadly based market ramp-up forecasts in the upcoming years, the project was designed to be highly flexible in order to provide a demand-oriented and cost-effective hydrogen transport infrastructure and to enable quick reaction to present requirements. Accordingly, it will be possible to add additional compressor capacities – up to a second pipeline – or to put investments on hold in case of lower demand.

“The European industry and economy will benefit significantly from the availability of hydrogen as an alternative, sustainable form of energy.”

Hydrogen for a sustainable future and affordable supply security

Hydrogen is a key enabler for a sustainable future. Not only is it easy to transport and store in large quantities, it can also be produced in a climate-neutral way. Hydrogen thus forms a geographical and temporal bridge between fluctuating, renewable energy production and inflexible consumption. Furthermore, hydrogen is also an indispensable raw material for the industrial sector and the high-temperature processes that are needed to achieve Europe’s climate targets. This is why current studies forecast a rapidly growing demand for hydrogen in Europe in the coming years. According to a survey by Austrian Gas Grid Management (AGGM), Austrian industry estimates its demand at 12 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2030 and 47 TWh per year by 2040. A similar development is also expected in neighbouring countries such as Germany. So it is vital to push ahead with the development of hydrogen infrastructure to ensure a sustainable and more independent future energy supply for Europe. 

“As a C02-neutral raw material, green hydrogen is a crucial enabler for a sustainable industry and allows for the further expansion of renewable energy.”

Project Overview

  • Conversion and repurposing of one of three existing natural gas pipelines (380 km) for hydrogen
  • Construction of compressors and measuring stations
  • Hydrogen transport capacity of 168 GWh/day – up to 1.5 million tonnes p.a.
  • Transport corridor for hydrogen from North Africa to the EU via the Mediterranean Sea
  • Secure supply of hydrogen to Austrian and European industry
  • Bidirectional transport against the main flow direction possible
  • Basis for the Austrian hydrogen distribution network
  • Enabling a sustainable and CO2-neutral energy future
  • Creation of an attractive hydrogen market for Central and Eastern Europe

Part of the European hydrogen strategy

“H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline system” is part of the future European Hydrogen Network. The project is located in the Adriatic H2 Corridor at the interface to the Southeastern H2 Corridor and the Eastern Corridor according to the REPowerEU objectives and, together with partner projects, forms the basis for the connection to North Africa. In addition, the “H2 Readiness TAG” project is also part of the visionary European Hydrogen Backbone, which is already underway. This initiative is based on an alliance of 32 transmission system operators whose goal is to drive the decarbonisation of Europe forward through the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure.

To develop the infrastructure as part of the network in line with demand and in a timely manner, Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH is involved in two groups of transmission system operators that exchange information on the individual routes, drive their development, and coordinate with each other.

  • The hydrogen route of the SoutH2 Corridor group runs along the pipeline systems of SNAM in Italy, Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH in Austria and via the Gas Connect Austria network that leads into Bavaria. The corridor builds on broad support from future producers and consumers along the route and relies on the political support of Italy, Austria and Germany as expressed in a joint letter of support. More information and further links about the individual projects, the TSOs, supporting partners and contact information can be found on our joint website: www.south2corridor.net.
    Explore here the SouthH2Corridor flyer “Our connection for a clean future”.
  • The hydrogen route of the SunsHyne Corridor group also runs along the pipeline systems of SNAM in Italy and Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH in Austria, but then continues north through Slovakia and the Czech Republic to Germany. More about the SunsHyne Corridor: www.sunshynecorridor.eu

Project status

  • "H2 Readiness of the TAG Pipeline System" project receives PCI status from the European Commission on 8 April 2024
  • Currently: Ongoing feasibility studies
  • In operation: 2030

Broad support from politics and economy

The project is supported by renowned actors from politics and economy, including the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology. In addition, numerous companies along the planned hydrogen corridor are in favour of the project. You can find out more on the websites of the individual routes. Accordingly, the H2 Readiness of the TAG pipeline system project proposal was submitted to the European Commission to obtain PCI status (PCI = Project of Common Interest). In Austria, the project is part of the Coordinated Network Development Plan as a planning project.