UK-Belgium bi-directional hydrogen interconnector

Linking the hydrogen future of the UK and Europe

This project forms a key component of the strategic partnership between National Gas and Fluxys, established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the development of a dedicated hydrogen corridor between the UK and Belgium. The initiative supports the broader vision of creating an integrated hydrogen network that connects the UK’s emerging hydrogen economy with continental Europe.

At the core of this project is the construction of a bi-directional offshore hydrogen pipeline linking the UK and Belgium. This physical interconnector will provide a direct connection between the UK’s Project Union hydrogen backbone and the Belgian transmission system, which is positioned as a gateway to the North-West European hydrogen market.

By doing so, the interconnector will:

  • Enable cross border hydrogen flows in both directions, enhancing supply security and market flexibility.
  • Facilitate large scale hydrogen imports and exports, supporting decarbonisation objectives across multiple sectors.
  • Integrate with existing and planned hydrogen infrastructure, ensuring interoperability and alignment with European hydrogen network development plans.
  • Support the creation of a liquid and competitive hydrogen market, fostering investment and accelerating the energy transition.

This interconnector is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero targets, enabling industrial clusters, power generation, and emerging hydrogen applications to access reliable, low carbon energy sources across borders.

The project is in pre-feasibility stage and would be rolled out in two phases in function of actual market interest:

  • Phase 1: 4 GW as from 2035
  • Phase 2: 10 GW total (6 additional) as from 2045
map of the proposed UK-Belgium hydrogen interconnector.