Nordic Hydrogen Route Feasibility and Basic Design Studies

ongoing

The project contributes to the implementation of the Corridor Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan in hydrogen, and more specifically to the Nordic Hydrogen Route (NHR) PCI 11.1. The overall goal is to make a critical contribution to EU energy independence and energy resilience through the construction of a new 1044 km long onshore hydrogen pipeline in the Bothnian Bay of the Baltic Sea, between Vaasa (Finland) and Örnsköldsvik (Sweden). The expected transmission capacity is up to 4.4 Mt/y and a hydrogen supply potential of ~2.7 Mt/y by 2030 and ~6 Mt/y by 2040. The project’s scope covers all the required Feasibility, Permitting and Basic Design studies, along with the preparation of the full Financial Package to reach final investment decision (FID) readiness by the end of 2027. In particular, the scope covers the completion of all technical feasibility studies including technical studies for the conceptual design of compressor stations and pipelines, and updating and finalising the supply and demand balance modelling and the technical feasibility assessment of the cross-border interconnection between Finland and Sweden; the completion of all the Basic Engineering studies and associated compressor stations, including pipeline integrity assessments, geotechnical & topographical surveys, civil, electrical & mechanical basic engineering design of pipelines, compressor stations, instrumentation & control systems and safety & risk assessments; completing all the PCI permitting procedures required for the later construction and subsequent operation; the preparation of the procurement and contracting procedures, including undertaking the Request for Quotations (RFQ) procedures for Engineering, Construction Management (EPCM) and Long Lead Items (LLI) that are required for FID and later for the construction of the hydrogen pipelines and compressor stations; the preparation of the Financial Package for FID of the NHR PCI and of the Investment Request, including business model design, business plan and financial modelling and preparation of a Socio-Economic Impact Analysis in order to obtain a Cross-Border Cost Allocation (CBCA) Decision. Once the project is completed and the FID made by both parties, it will allow to enter the next stages in the PCI implementation, namely the construction stage. The aim is to start construction in 2028 and the hydrogen pipeline between Vaasa and Örnsköldsvik is expected to be operational in 2030.