Linking Germany and Switzerland to hydrogen supply from Italy
Partnership across the Alps
In 2024, FluxSwiss, Transitgas, Fluxys TENP, OGE and Snam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border hydrogen. The proposed infrastructure crossing the Alps will unlock hydrogen imports from North Africa via Italy into Switzerland and Germany and make maximum use of repurposed natural gas pipelines.
Switzerland: The Alpine Hydrogen Corridor
The Alpine Hydrogen Corridor is the Swiss section of the route and will allow for direct crossing of the Alps, minimizing network length and operational costs.
With our subsidiary FluxSwiss and corresponding participation in the Transitgas pipeline, we are investigating the possibility of repurposing one of the two parallel pipelines in northern Switzerland. Additionally, we are considering the construction of a new pipeline in southern Switzerland where the Transitgas system does not consist of parallel pipelines.
Germany: The Alpine HyWay
The connection to the Baden-Württemberg region in Germany will run via the southern section of our TENP pipeline under the name Alpine HyWay. Fluxys TENP and Open Grid Europe intend to repurpose one string of the existing pipeline for hydrogen transport in the second half of the 2030s, while the other string would continue transporting natural gas.
This joint initiative is part of the European Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) and can help to strengthen and transform industry in south-west Germany by linking Baden-Württemberg to the European hydrogen network.
European PMI/PCI recognition generates strong momentum
In December 2025, the strategic importance of both the Swiss and the German project was acknowledged at European level: The Alpine Hydrogen Corridor has been designated as a Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) and the Alpine HyWay as Project of Common Interest (PCI). The Italian Hydrogen Backbone (Poggio Renatico section), the Italian section of the corridor by SNAM, has been designated as PCI as well.
This recognition is a critical milestone as it unlocks access to EU funding instruments such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), enabling faster and more efficient implementation. Next steps will focus on partner alignment and the progressive development of the financial framework for timely delivery.
The combined hydrogen corridor Italy – Switzerland – Germany brings together three strategic hydrogen infrastructure projects, all recognised under PCI/PMI status:
Alpine HyWay, a project within Germany by Fluxys TENP and OGE
Alpine Hydrogen Corridor, a project within Switzerland by FluxSwiss and Transitgas
Italian Hydrogen Backbone, a project within Italy by SNAM
A crucial connection for the transeuropean hydrogen supply chain
Key benefits of the route
- Provides a direct, cost-effective hydrogen corridor from Southern to Northern Europe by taking the shortest route from Italy to Germany and utilising the existing TENP and Transitgas pipelines.
- Enables the Baden-Württemberg region in Germany to import hydrogen directly from the South, ensuring competitiveness and future-proof transformation of industry.
- Promotes the establishment of an EU-wide hydrogen economy and integrated markets by fostering cross-border collaboration.
- Facilitates the supply of cost-effective green hydrogen, particularly from North Africa, one of the most promising regions for renewable hydrogen production.
- Diversifies hydrogen supply routes to Northern Europe, enhancing competition, energy security, and the balance between North-West and South European markets.
- Contact our commercial team to discuss our solutions for your business needsFluxSwiss commercial team