(P&GJ) — Fluxys has begun construction on the first phase of Belgium’s hydrogen pipeline network, marking a key milestone in the country’s push toward a low-carbon economy.

The project, led by Fluxys hydrogen NV, involves building open-access hydrogen pipelines in the industrial port zones of Antwerp and Ghent, including the corridor from Kallo to Zelzate. The infrastructure will use multi-purpose pipeline technology similar to that of recent natural gas lines, and is expected to be operational by 2026.

“This infrastructure is essential for decarbonising the industry,” said Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys hydrogen and CEO and Managing Director of Fluxys Belgium. “With this step, Fluxys as an industrial group takes on its role in the energy transition.”

Fluxys hydrogen, a subsidiary launched in 2023, was officially appointed in April 2024 as Belgium’s Hydrogen Network Operator, responsible for planning and managing the country’s open-access hydrogen network. The construction decision follows extensive consultations with government bodies, regulators, and industrial stakeholders, and is supported by the European Union’s Resilience and Recovery Fund.

The network aims to enable connections for both hydrogen producers and consumers, and will expand gradually based on market development and government-backed risk mitigation.

Fluxys hydrogen plans to offer up to 30 TWh of hydrogen transmission capacity annually by 2030.