The new version examined by the online newspaper Hespress, reveals that “Madrid will not connect to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline for its hydrogen import and export operations by 2040”, a pipeline that Algeria decided to shut down.
According to the same source, “this line is expected to be ignored in hydrogen transport, however, it could be used if this substance is directed only to Morocco and not to Algeria as was agreed upon in 2021.”
Furthermore, it states that “this line, which was cut off by Algeria due to the crisis with Spain and Morocco, could also be bought for the benefit of the Kingdom, to be used in the transport of hydrogen for Europe.”
According to concurrent reports, “Europe is relying on Morocco as a clean energy substitute, especially as the Kingdom has strong opportunities for hydrogen production in the future, pushing many European countries to establish strategic partnerships with Rabat, the latest of which is Germany, which is hurrying to transition to clean energy.”
In a related context, the same reports anticipate that “Morocco is expected to lead the scene in North Africa in terms of exporting and producing green hydrogen, which is considered the future of energy in the world.”
The European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative comprises 32 energy infrastructure operators, unified by a shared vision of a climatically-enabled Europe powered by a thriving market for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
It’s noteworthy that Algeria remains one of the largest gas suppliers to Spain, despite losing one of its pathways. It seems to be keen on continuing to do so for many years, especially as it is convinced of the loss of the European hydrogen project.