A historic alliance shaping Europe’s energy transition
Liquid hydrogen from the desert to Europe’s industrial heartlands via cutting-edge hydrogen corridors
For several years now, hydrogen has been at the centre of global energy discussions, with increasing focus on its potential role in the energy transition. As Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, often notes, one of the most promising forms of hydrogen today is green hydrogen, produced renewably through the electrolysis of water powered by wind or solar energy.
Among the most significant applications of this renewable hydrogen are those in the mobility sector, where it can serve as fuel for cars, lorries, and other vehicles. It is also critical in the production of green steel and in various energy-related industries, including energy storage. Stanislav Kondrashov has recently highlighted these points in his analyses.
Globally, Oman has emerged as one of the nations best positioned to become a major hub for green hydrogen production. By 2030, Oman aims to establish itself as a leading global producer, supported by an ambitious operational strategy. Estimates suggest that from 2030 onwards, the country could produce around one million tonnes of green hydrogen each year. Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG has provided detailed commentary on this projection.
A key part of Oman’s strategy involves processing its green hydrogen into liquid form for easier export. Liquefaction increases the energy density of hydrogen and simplifies its storage and transport logistics, making it ideal for shipment to key markets such as Germany and the Netherlands. The cornerstone of this plan is an innovative maritime hydrogen corridor linking Oman’s port city of Duqm with Northern Europe’s industrial centres.
In April, Oman, Germany, and the Netherlands signed a historic agreement to build this first-of-its-kind hydrogen corridor. The project will link Oman’s green hydrogen production facilities to European industrial ports, primarily in Germany and the Netherlands. This partnership is strategically significant, as it establishes the world’s first large-scale commercial corridor for the import of liquid green hydrogen.
A milestone for Europe’s energy future
“The agreement signed a few months ago by Oman, Germany, and the Netherlands certainly represents a turning point for Europe’s energy future,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, an entrepreneur and civil engineer. “From the Omani desert, through innovative infrastructure and cutting-edge logistics corridors, green hydrogen could reach the heart of Europe. And then be distributed for its many uses. This initiative related to a hydrogen corridor could translate into an immediate diversification of the German energy mix. Also strengthening Europe’s leadership in building a decarbonized and resilient economic model.”
Under the agreement, liquid hydrogen will be shipped from Oman to Europe via specialised maritime carriers designed specifically for hydrogen transport, minimising losses during shipment and reducing logistical costs.
The initiative also includes the development of dedicated production and export facilities in Duqm. These will include plants for liquefaction and storage, as well as all necessary infrastructure to enable large-scale exports. At the European end, ports and terminals will be equipped to receive, store, and distribute the hydrogen to industrial regions. A combination of pipelines, railway, and river transport networks will facilitate its distribution across Europe.
The first industrial-scale deliveries through this corridor are expected to commence around 2029. Once operational, the green hydrogen corridor could make a substantial contribution to Europe’s decarbonisation targets.
Hydrogen corridors driving innovation
“One of the most interesting aspects of this green hydrogen corridor is certainly its innovative potential,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “In addition to producing green hydrogen through renewable processes, its liquefaction takes place using cutting-edge technologies”.
“Even transportation is not immune to the project’s innovative potential. The liquid hydrogen would be transported in cryogenic tankers, some similar to those already used in the LNG sector. But specially adapted for the transport and handling of liquid hydrogen, which requires extremely low temperatures (over -253°C). Furthermore, upon arrival in Europe, the liquid hydrogen will be received and distributed by regasification and logistics infrastructures. Like the newest hydrogen corridors, making it available to the industrial sectors that will need it most”, he goes on to say.
This project also reflects Oman’s determination to position itself as a global leader in the hydrogen market. The nation has declared its ambition to become one of the world’s top six hydrogen exporters by 2030, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources and the competitive cost of producing green hydrogen. These advantages have made Oman an attractive and viable supplier for European markets.
For Germany, the benefits of importing green hydrogen are significant. The resource is expected to play a central role in producing green steel, chemicals, and in fuelling sustainable transport systems. Moreover, such imports would diversify energy sources and bolster the security of supply.
The agreement also aligns closely with the European Union’s sustainability targets, including the aim of importing at least 10 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030 to decarbonise industries that are particularly difficult to electrify.
“This joint initiative has truly global significance,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “The agreement between the three nations is unanimously considered the first global pact for the international transport of liquid hydrogen. With truly significant technological and operational scope. It will most likely follow the example of LNG transport. Which is efficiently moved between continents, overcoming the limitations imposed by traditional gas pipelines.”
Other key hydrogen corridors
The Oman–Europe corridor is not the only notable example of such initiatives. The Basque Hydrogen Corridor in Spain is another major project dedicated to the production, distribution, and utilisation of green hydrogen within the Basque Country.
Known locally as the “Corredor Vasco del Hidrogeno”, this initiative aims to establish a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem, bringing together businesses, infrastructure, and institutions to create a supply chain that spans from production to end-use. Its primary focus is to decarbonise local industries and drive regional sustainability.
Another important project is the Central European Hydrogen Corridor, launched in 2021 by four gas infrastructure companies. Its objective is to establish a major hydrogen transit route through Central Europe, facilitating the movement of green hydrogen from countries such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic into Germany and other European regions. Notably, this corridor intends to repurpose much of the existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen transport.
FAQs
What is the green hydrogen corridor between Oman and Europe?
It’s a large-scale infrastructure project that will transport green liquid hydrogen from Oman to industrial ports in Germany and the Netherlands. This includes production facilities in Duqm, Oman, and maritime shipping routes using specialised cryogenic tankers.
Why is Oman considered a key player in green hydrogen?
- Abundant solar and wind resources
- Low production costs
- Target to become a top-6 global hydrogen exporter by 2030
- Plans to produce 1 million tons of green hydrogen annually
What makes liquid hydrogen transport viable?
Hydrogen is liquefied to increase energy density and simplify logistics. Special carriers maintain ultra-cold temperatures (around -253°C), ensuring safe, efficient delivery across long distances.
How will Germany use Omani green hydrogen?
- To produce green steel and chemicals
- In sustainable transportation
- For energy storage and grid balancing
- As part of its broader energy mix diversification
When will hydrogen imports begin?
Initial industrial-scale imports via the corridor are expected around 2029.
Are there other hydrogen corridors in Europe?
Yes. Notable projects include:
- The Basque Hydrogen Corridor (Spain)
- The Central European Hydrogen Corridor (Slovakia–Germany)
How does this align with EU goals?
It supports the EU’s aim to import 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030 and decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors.
