Equinor, ENGIE move ahead with H2BE hydrogen project in Belgium

Norwegian energy major Equinor and French company ENGIE have decided to sign a joint development agreement to progress the 1 GW H2BE hydrogen project in Belgium, Equinor said on February 1.

The parties have completed the feasibility study of the project, which assessed the technical and economic suitability of a potential location at Engie’s site at Rodenhuize in Ghent.

Last year, more than 20 potential hydrogen off-takers expressed interest in H2BE, which has also received letters of support from investment funds and authorities in Belgium, Equinor said.

The partners announced the project in December 2021. The H2BE project aims to produce hydrogen from natural gas using autothermal reforming (ATR) technology combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).

According to Equinor, the ATR technology allows for decarbonisation rates above 95% and for producing hydrogen at large scale at competitive cost levels. The captured CO₂ is planned to be transported in liquid form and to be permanently and safely stored at a site in the sub-surface of the Norwegian North Sea.

As part of the development plan, both ENGIE and Equinor teamed with Belgian gas transmission operator Fluxys, which is already planning on building up the hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure in the country.

All parties to the H2BE project aim to have the facility operating before 2030.