Belgium

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GH2 Country Portal – Belgium

Green Hydrogen Vision

Belgium envisions becoming a European leader in green hydrogen by leveraging its strategic position as an import and transit hub. The country aims to integrate renewable hydrogen into its energy mix, focusing on decarbonising heavy industries and freight transport, where electrification is less feasible. Supported by its world-class ports and robust industrial network, Belgium plans to develop extensive hydrogen infrastructure, including pipelines and import facilities, and collaborate internationally to secure hydrogen from diverse sources. This vision is aligned with broader goals of reducing CO2 emissions, enhancing energy security, and fostering innovation in hydrogen technologies.  

National Strategy

Belgium's October 2022 hydrogen strategy aimed on positioning the country as a global hub for renewable hydrogen, advancing hydrogen technologies, and fostering a robust hydrogen market. The strategy is built around four pillars: import and transit infrastructure, leadership in hydrogen innovation, market development, and fostering cooperation at all levels. It aims to balance local renewable energy production with imports of hydrogen molecules and derivatives to meet domestic and regional demands. 

Capacity Targets

  • Electrolysis Capacity: A minimum of 150 MW electrolysis capacity by 2026 to build expertise and support domestic renewable hydrogen production. 

  • Import Infrastructure: By 2030, import 20 TWh of renewable hydrogen or derivatives, scaling to 200-350 TWh by 2050 to meet domestic and transit demands. 

  • Hydrogen Transport Network: Develop 100-160 km of hydrogen pipelines by 2026 and expand interconnections with Germany, France, and the Netherlands by 2028. 

  • Strategic Storage: Establish infrastructure for storing hydrogen derivatives like ammonia and methanol and explore large-scale gaseous hydrogen storage options in collaboration with European partners. 

Impact Targets

Decarbonisation Goals: 

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 
  • Transition heavy industries (steel, cement, chemicals) and transport sectors to hydrogen-based systems. 

Energy Security: 

  • Diversify energy imports through three key routes: North Sea (pipeline), Southern Europe/North Africa (pipeline), and global shipping of hydrogen derivatives. 

Economic and Innovation Impacts: 

  • Strengthen Belgium's leadership in hydrogen technologies, leveraging the expertise of local companies and research institutions. 
  • Support pilot projects and innovative hydrogen solutions to bolster the industrial and technological base. 

European and International Positioning: 

  • Serve as a transit hub, doubling import capacity to support neighbouring countries' energy needs. 
  • Promote integration into a European-wide hydrogen market. 

Policy and Project Spotlight

  1. During His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to Belgium, Oman and Belgium signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their collaboration in the field of green hydrogen. This agreement, signed between Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) and the Belgian Hydrogen Council (BHC), paves the way for increased cooperation throughout the hydrogen value chain, highlighting both nations' commitment to advancing the global hydrogen economy. This MoU builds upon 46 years of strong bilateral relations between Oman and Belgium, marked by significant achievements in the green energy sector. Notably, in 2023, a 47-year Project Development Agreement was established between Hydrom and the Hyport Duqm project, an international partnership involving Oman’s OQ Alternative Energy and Belgium’s DEME, aimed at producing and exporting green hydrogen. Additionally, in 2023, a declaration of intent was made between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of Oman and the Ministry of Energy of Belgium to advance hydrogen certification and trade frameworks. 
  2. Partners from Belgium and Namibia have outlined a plan to develop a hydrogen infrastructure on the African continent. This initiative aims to facilitate the production and export of hydrogen energy and launch Africa’s first hydrogen-fuelled vessel. The project is part of an ambitious effort to position Namibia as a leader in the global green hydrogen economy, supplying this alternative energy source to passing ships and industrial users in Belgium, Germany, and other industrial clusters across Europe. The plan was announced during an event in Walvis Bay, Namibia, which was attended by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium and Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia. During the event, they officiated at the ceremonial first filling of a dual-fuel truck at the hydrogen refuelling station. This station is expected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2024 as part of the Cleanenergy Green Hydrogen site. 

Financing

Federal Support: 

  • €395 million allocated to hydrogen transport and interconnection infrastructure, including €300 million for the German interconnection by 2028. 

R&D and Innovation: 

  • The Energy Transition Fund provides €20-30 million annually for hydrogen projects until 2025. 

  • The "Clean Hydrogen for Clean Industry" initiative supports projects with a total funding of €50 million (2022) and €10 million (2023). 

Import and Test Facilities: 

  • A dedicated H2 Import Call with €10 million to develop technologies for importing and injecting hydrogen into the network. 

  • Investment in the VKHyLab test infrastructure with €14.7 million to scale hydrogen technologies by 2025. 

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Ministry of Energy 

Belgian Hydrogen Council