Sweco studies 70 km of hydrogen pipelines in Flemish ports for Fluxys Belgium
Engineering and architectural firm Sweco, commissioned by the infrastructure company Fluxys Belgium, is working on a feasibility study and preliminary research of several hydrogen routes in Ghent and Antwerp. We are also responsible for the design, EIA project and safety coordination.
Fluxys Belgim is ready to develop the necessary hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure for the decarbonisation of the Belgian and Northwest European economy. Together with the industry, various partners and neighbouring operators, the infrastructure company is in full preparation for terminal projects and the construction and conversion of pipelines in and between industrial zones in Belgium and to neighbouring countries.
The aim is to have the first hydrogen and/or CO2 grid connections ready for the industry by 2026. In that context, Sweco was awarded the contract by Fluxys Belgium for the complete study of about 70 km of hydrogen pipelines in the ports of Ghent and Antwerp. In the process, we are putting the knowledge and expertise available in our country – and promoted by the Flemish Hydrogen Vision – on the map.
Erwin Malcorps, Business Area President at Sweco Belgium, says: “Sweco has extensive experience in designing and obtaining permits for wind farms and green hydrogen projects, both in Belgium and abroad. Our teams are ready to tackle the complex projects that would enable the climate and energy transition. We have in-house experts who are dedicated to hydrogen projects, from power generation, transportation and distribution to end users. As an engineering partner, we want to help make a difference through this project to establish a sustainable and energy-independent economy and society.”
Tom Van Den Noortgaete, Division Director Energy & Environment at Sweco Belgium, explains the switch: “Transporting hydrogen and green molecules is an essential link in our energy transition. Our country needs large volumes of hydrogen to make our chemical cluster and hard-to-electrify sectors carbon-neutral. In its Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) plan, Belgium committed to support the development of at least 150 km of hydrogen and CO2 transport pipelines.”
Hydrogen will therefore become an important part of a redesigned energy system. With the infrastructure we are studying for Fluxys Belgium, the ports of Ghent (North Sea Port) and Antwerp (Port of Antwerp-Bruges) will play a pioneering role in this as European hubs.
