The 3rd Pitstop Meeting of the MED-GEM Network, held online on March 19, 2024, brought together National Focal Points, Country Correspondants, DG ENER and DG MENA representatives and policymakers to discuss the future of the Mediterranean renewable hydrogen system. This exclusive event highlighted key challenges and opportunities related to renewable energy and green hydrogen, based on recent studies developed by OMED and strategic developments in the region.

Opening Remarks | The Evolving Energy Landscape in the Mediterranean

Milou Beerepoot, Programme Manager for Regional Energy Programmes, Neighbourhood South at the European Commission, emphasized the European Commission’s renewed focus on the Mediterranean energy transition. She introduced the Trans-Mediterranean Energy and Clean Tech Initiative (Team ET) and provided insights into recent institutional changes, notably the creation of The Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA, which replaces the former DG NEAR). This restructuring signals a strategic shift in EU policy, broadening cooperation beyond North Africa and the Middle East to include the Gulf region. She also underlined the importance of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to define new energy and economic partnerships for the region.

Session 1 | Preparatory studies for the Future energy system development in the Mediterranean

Houda Allal, Director General of OMEC, highlighted the renewable energy (RE) and green hydrogen (GH2) potential in the Mediterranean, particularly in Egypt and Turkey, as well as key infrastructure and financing challenges. The study assessed RE and GH2 capacity in the southern Mediterranean compared to the EU’s needs by 2030+ and examined necessary grid and pipeline infrastructure.

By 2030, several grid interconnections could facilitate electricity trade with Europe, while gas pipelines are in various stages of development. For GH2 exports, Morocco and Egypt are expected to lead by 2030, followed by Tunisia, Mauritania, and Jordan, with Algeria and Turkey joining after 2035-2040. The study also identified key RE and GH2 projects, financial tools, and policy priorities, emphasizing regional dialogue, innovative projects, and the selection of a flagship initiative.

Session 2 | The Role of Strategic Reserves in the Energy Transition

Frank Wouters, Director of the MED-GEM Network, underscored the critical role of strategic hydrogen reserves in ensuring energy security and attracting investment. He proposed the creation of a 1.7 million tonne hydrogen stock in the European Union by 2030, covering 25% of projected demand to support market and infrastructure development.

His presentation highlighted findings from a global assessment of primary energy storage, revealing that oil, coal, and natural gas account for the majority of stored energy, while electricity storage remains minimal (0.03%). This reinforces the need for molecular energy storage over electrons, both now and in the future.

Key recommendations included using established mechanisms developed for the natural gas business and integrating hydrogen reserves into the regulated business managed by Transmission System Operators (TSOs) to streamline development and ensure long-term energy resilience.Key recommendations included integrating hydrogen reserves into regulated Transmission System Operators (TSOs) to streamline development and ensure long-term energy resilience.