Pipeline operators Germany’s Gascade and Belgium’s Fluxys have decided to ramp up efforts on their plans to build a green hydrogen pipeline in the North Sea by applying to the European Commission to qualify for fast-track approvals and funding, they said on Monday. The EU has been looking to boost renewable energy production and to produce, import and market green hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Gascade and Fluxys said in a joint statement that they are looking for help to accelerate development of a hydrogen economy.

The two companies are seeking Project of Common Interest (PCI) status from the EU, under which they could benefit from accelerated permitting procedures and funding.

The companies believe that their 400 km pipeline, dubbed AquaDuctus, could become a collecting path, or “backbone”, for electricity output from offshore wind power production sites that would be converted on-site into clean hydrogen via electrolysis plants.

Under current plans, shipments would start in 2030 from the wind park SEN-1 in the North Sea. In later phases, wind farms further offshore in Germany’s exclusive economic zone in the North Sea may be linked up to transport hydrogen from plants operated by other countries, such as Norway or Britain, into Germany.

Studies identify up to 100 GW of hydrogen capacity potential in the German and European North Sea, the statement said.