The new TEN-E regulation provides for the possibility of granting projects of common interest (PCI) status to investment projects contributing to the integration of European H₂ infrastructure through the implementation of H₂ transmission and storage projects and facilities for receiving and regasification of liquefied H₂ or H₂ blended with other chemical substances (e.g., ammonia).

The works on the first H₂ PCI list development are pending. GAZ-SYSTEM has applied for granting the PCI status to three projects planned by the company. These include:

• Nordic-Baltic H₂ Corridor, which aims to establish a corridor to transport H₂ from Finland through the Baltic States and Poland to Germany.
• Domestic H₂ backbone including infrastructure connecting domestic H₂ producers, import sources, and the H₂ storage facility in Damasławek with end users and possibly local distribution networks.
• H₂ storage facility in Damasławek.

“The energy infrastructure projects implemented by GAZ-SYSTEM are of paramount importance for EU countries, as they ensure the diversification of gas supply and the development of an integrated and competitive natural gas market in Central Europe and the Baltic Sea region. The EU financial support is fundamental for the efficient implementation of complex, international projects, which is why we have applied for granting the PCI status to the H₂ projects the company plans to accomplish,” said Marcin Chludziński, President of GAZ-SYSTEM Management Board

GAZ-SYSTEM remarks that the draft PCI H₂ list will be published by the European Commission in autumn 2023. GAZ-SYSTEM will be able to apply for connecting Europe facility funding for H₂ projects after the adoption of the PCI list by the European Union institutions.