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New Belgian Legislation Opens Opportunities for U.S. Companies Specializing in Hydrogen Transport

Within the framework of its hydrogen strategy, the federal government of Belgium is supporting the development of a robust hydrogen market in Belgium. To this end, it has advanced several initiatives including the regulation of hydrogen transport by pipeline and the development of the hydrogen transport network – opening opportunities for H2-related products and the provision of fueling infrastructure.

On August 4, 2023, the Belgian legislation on the transport of hydrogen by means of pipelines, the “Hydrogen Act”, entered into force. The Hydrogen Act establishes a regulatory framework for the transport of hydrogen via pipelines and aims to promote the optimal development of the Belgian hydrogen market and its hydrogen transport infrastructure. 

Under this new law, the Ministry of Energy will designate a company to be Belgium’s Hydrogen Network Operator. The law also provides financial support for the development of the hydrogen transport network. The Council of Ministers decided in July 2023 to make 250 million euros available to the selected hydrogen network operator for the construction of a hydrogen connection with Germany and the development of the hydrogen transport network in and between the industrial clusters of Ghent, Antwerp, Mons, Charleroi, and Liège. 

The Hydrogen Act regulates the designation of the hydrogen network operator according to the following procedure:

  • November 30, 2023: deadline for submitting applications to the Minister for Energy 
  • Within 60 working days: delivery of the CREG’s advice on the submitted applications 
  • Within 15 working days: delivery of the advice of the Directorate-General for Energy of the FPS Economy, SMEs, Self-employed, and Energy on the submitted applications
  • Within 30 working days: designation of the hydrogen network operator by ministerial decree

Applications must be submitted by registered mail with confirmation of receipt to the Minister for Energy, with a copy to the Directorate-General for Energy of the FPS Economy, SMEs, Self-Employed and Energy, and to CREG.

For more information on this opportunity, visit the announcement on the Belgium government’s Federal Public Service Economy website.  

For more information about opportunities in Belgium’s transportation industry, contact Commercial Specialist Karel Vantomme at karel.vantomme@trade.gov.