The operators of the Gas Networks Enagás (Spain), Natran and Teréga (France), have signed a shareholders agreement for the creation of a joint company dedicated to the development of the Barmar project, the underwater hydravement that will connect Barcelona (Spain) with Marseille (France). Barmar is a key H2Med project together with Celza, which will link Celorico da Beira (Portugal) with Zamora (Spain). This important step, which occurs a year after the signing of the Joint Development Agreement, provides a clear business structure for this interconnection and accelerates the implementation of this project considered of common European interest.
This is the first renewable hydrogen corridor of the European Union and It will cover 10% of Europe’s hydrogen consumption in 2030.
The new company has an shareholding that is distributed as follows: Enagás, through its subsidiary Enagás Hydrogen infrastructure, 50%; Natran, 33.3% and Teréga, 16.7%. This cast reflects the general balance of the Barmar project, shared to 50% between Spain and France. Francisco de la Flor (Enagás) has been appointed CEO (CEO) of the new entity. It has more than 35 years of experience in the sectors of energy and natural gas, has carried out various positions and responsibilities in commercial, technical, international, planning, regulatory and institutional relations within Enagás and other companies.
For Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagás, «the creation of this joint society represents our commitment and determination to carry out this vital energy infrastructure for Europe. In addition, this milestone marks the beginning of a new operational phase that will allow us to face the technical and regulatory challenges, with an integrated team and a common goal, to realize H2Med ».
This key milestone is announced a few days after the executive vice president of the European Commission for a clean, fair and competitive transition, Teresa Ribera, transferred her support in Brussels to the H2Med corridor during an institutional visit of the CEOs of the Consortium of the Project.
In addition, H2med has received the impulse of the recent Grant Agreement signature for which the company will receive funds from the European Climate Executive Agency, Infrastructure and Environment (Cinea). The financing obtained represents 100% of the funds requested within the framework of the Connect Europe (CEF) mechanism and covers 50% of the development costs for the current phase. These funds will be destined to carry out the engineering studies, marine prospects and the environmental impact evaluations necessary for the authorization process.