Eastern Med pipelines can blend up to 20% hydrogen

Blending up to 20% hydrogen into existing natural gas pipelines in the eastern Mediterranean region is “technically feasible” and can serve as an interim solution while dedicated hydrogen infrastructure is developed, according to a new report from international industry body Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum and non-profit body, International Gas Union.

Some terminals could be adapted to handle liquefied hydrogen or ammonia, allowing countries to leverage their existing LNG infrastructure to access international hydrogen markets, particularly in Europe, where demand for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to grow significantly.

The forum, representing Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan and Palestine, believes the region has the potential to evolve into a global energy hub, supplying gas to European and international markets while also advancing sustainable energy practices.

But the report notes how the geopolitical complexity of the region necessitates sustained dialogue to ensure the smooth development and regional integration of gas resources.