TE H2 – a joint venture (JV) between energy supermajor TotalEnergies and renewable energy producer EREN Groupe – alongside Austrian electricity utility Verbund have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tunisian government to study the implementation of a large-scale green hydrogen project.
The H2 Notos project aims to produce 200,000 tons of green hydrogen per year in southern Tunisia in its first phase for export to Central Europe via the SoutH2 Corridor pipeline. The pipeline will tap into the European market by linking North Africa to Italy, Austria and Germany and is set to commence operations by 2030.
“This agreement with TE H2 and Verbund signifies a significant stride in our pursuit of clean, sustainable energy,” stated Tunisia’s Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy. “Tunisia, staunchly dedicated to its energy transition, views this project as a strategic cornerstone to bolster its appeal as a prime destination for foreign investment in renewable energies.”
Using electrolyzers powered by large onshore wind and solar projects and supplied with desalinated seawater, the H2 Notos project has the potential to scale up production to one million tons per year.
“By combining competitive hydrogen production in Tunisia and pipeline-based transportation, we can ensure a sustainable, large-scale supply to facilitate our customers’ transition to green hydrogen and promote sustainable economic development in Tunisia,” stated Verbund CEO Michael Strugl.
TE H2, together with Verbund, will lead the development, financing, construction and operation of the integrated project. Meanwhile, Verbund will oversee the transportation of the produced green hydrogen to Central Europe.
“H2 Notos holds the promise of becoming a significant provider of green hydrogen for Europe while facilitating substantial job opportunities in Tunisia,” stated TE H2 CEO David Corchia.
