The pre-feasibility study for the Central European Hydrogen Corridor (CEHC) has been successfully completed, representing a major step forward in realizing this strategic hydrogen transport route. Jointly prepared by GTSOUA (Ukraine gas TSO), eustream (Slovak gas TSO), NET4GAS (Czech gas TSO), and OGE (German gas TSO), this study provides a high-level analysis of the corridor’s technical and commercial viability, reflecting data and assumptions as of October 15, 2024.
The CEHC is a critical component of the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) and the EU’s REPowerEU strategy, designed to connect Ukraine’s abundant hydrogen production capabilities to major demand hubs in Germany via Slovakia and Czechia. Spanning 1,351 km, the corridor will predominantly use repurposed existing gas infrastructure (92%), supplemented by new pipelines and compressor stations in Ukraine and Slovakia, with operations projected to begin by 2029.
The corridor’s initial transport capacity of up to 144 GWh/day will help address Germany’s growing hydrogen demand, forecasted to rise up to 130 TWh by 2030 and up to 500 TWh by 2050. Ukraine’s hydrogen export potential is estimated between 27 and 40 TWh annually by 2030, scaling to 50 to 93 TWh by 2050, positioning it as a vital supplier for the EU’s energy transition.
Preliminary technical evaluations confirm that the existing infrastructure is largely suitable for hydrogen transport, though valve replacements, adaptations to gas pressure regulation and measurement plants, and new compressor stations will be necessary. Fluid dynamic simulations indicate the corridor can manage hydrogen flows of 3 to 4 GWh/h under current conditions, with the potential to handle up to 6 GWh/h with targeted upgrades, particularly in Slovakia.
The project is estimated to require a capital expenditure (CAPEX) of €1,155 million (±28 %), with annual operating costs (OPEX) projected at €66 million (±34 %). These costs are 30-40% below the EHB benchmark, reflecting strong cost efficiency. Financing strategies vary across partner countries, with Germany relying on state-backed guarantees, Czechia leveraging EU and national funds, Slovakia benefiting from IPCEI approval or harnessing EU and national funds, and Ukraine focusing on pre-construction financing with potential support from international programs.
Next steps include securing PCI/PMI status, conducting detailed national feasibility studies, and advancing toward a final investment decision (FID) over the next years. While challenges remain, the CEHC is poised to play a pivotal role in Europe’s hydrogen network, driving decarbonization and energy security across the region.