Belgium

Vision et stratégie Hydrogène: Mise à jour octobre 2022

The updated Belgian hydrogen strategy is developed in the context of achieving full decarbonisation with only renewable energy in the energy mix by 2050. The focus is on energy efficiency and electrification. Yet, it is recognised that Belgium does not have enough local renewable energy production potential, therefore the country will have to rely on imports and hydrogen and its derivatives. The strategy is split in four pillars: 

• Positioning Belgium as an import and transit hub for renewable molecules in Europe;
• Expanding Belgian leadership in hydrogen technologies;
• Establishing a robust hydrogen market;
• Investing in cooperation as a key success factor.

PRODUCTION

By 2050, all hydrogen in the national energy mix should be of renewable origin. Until then however, a phased approach is envisaged allowing SMR and ATR production with CCS and pyrolysis to play a transitional role. Due to the limited local renewable energy potential, electrolysis capacity will remain limited, as renewable electricity is to be used to decarbonise electricity production and further electrify energy needs. Nonetheless, for the purposes of strategic capacity, development of technical expertise and technological development, at least 150 MW of electrolysis capacity will be put into operation by 2026.

TRADE

As Belgium is expected to remain an energy importing country, hydrogen and its derivatives are seen as a way to import energy at a low cost. Thus, the government is collaborating with key partners to develop hydrogen import routes, with focus on three key import routes: North Sea route (pipeline), Southern route (pipeline) and Shipping route. In developing these import routes, Belgium is positioning itself as an import and transit hub for renewable molecules. As to storage, considering the limited potential to store H2, Belgium will work towards a European approach for hydrogen storage.

MANUFACTURING

To support national companies and institutes, the strategy envisages several federal instruments: 

• Energy Transition Fund supporting R&D for production, transport and storage of H2 and derivatives, operating until 2025 with annual call for projects ranging from EUR20-30mln;
• Clean Hydrogen for Clean Industry within the national recovery and resilience plan focusing on development of promising technologies and use of H2 and derivatives at high maturity level;
• H2 Import Call on development and demonstration of technologies enabling hydrogen import
  Additionally, the government will develop VKHyLab, which will be a test infrastructure facility to be operational by 2025.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

A key aspect of the strategy is the development of a hydrogen transport network, operating under non-discriminatory third-party access. The first phase of its development is the commissioning of 100-160 km of pipelines by 2026 with a budget of EUR95mln from the national recovery and resilience plan, taking maximum advantage of existing natural gas pipelines not being used. An additional goal is to have interconnections with Germany, France and Netherlands by 2028. For the interconnection with Germany, EUR300mln are foreseen, so that it can be operational by 2028. To enable the functioning of the national hydrogen system a draft law was introduced in parliament, setting the provisions for unbundling, non-discriminatory third-party access and network tariffs regulation until the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market package is transposed into national law. Additionally, the government is supporting the work on development of a certification scheme, development of specific market platform and elaboration of a gas quality standard. 
For storage, hydrogen and its derivates provide an opportunity to store large quantities of energy for a medium to long-term period, but the optimum between different technologies is left to the market.

END-USES

Mobility

Electrification is the first priority in the transport sector. Hydrogen and its derivatives however, are expected to have applications in aviation, inland navigation and shipping and transport of goods. Passenger cars are not seen as priority for use of hydrogen.

Industry

Use of renewable hydrogen as a feedstock and for high-temperature heating in industry is a priority (chemical, steel industries) with demand for renewable molecules expected to rise.

Heating

For heating, hydrogen use in buildings is not seen as a priority, as the focus is on heat pumps and heat networks.