Renewable hydrogen could reduce CO₂ emissions in the Pyrenees by up to 86,400 tonnes per year

A cross-border renewable hydrogen network linking France, Spain and Andorra could prevent up to 86,400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, according to a study presented by the European PHYRENE project on the occasion of World Environment Day. Commissioned by the Occitanie Region and carried out by the Regional Energy and Climate Agency, the study assesses the potential for decarbonising road transport across the Pyrenean region, where more than 10,000 trucks cross the Franco-Spanish border each day via the A9 and A63 motorways. The report sets out two scenarios for 2030. Under the most ambitious scenario, the deployment of 70 hydrogen refuelling stations and a fleet of 5,210 hydrogen-powered vehicles would reduce annual CO₂ emissions by an estimated 86,400 tonnes. A more moderate scenario, involving 27 stations and 1,430 vehicles, would still prevent around 23,600 tonnes of emissions each year. According to the study’s authors, the foundations of a future hydrogen network are already taking shape, with eight stations currently in operation, seven under construction and three demonstration sites. The main obstacle is no longer technological but organisational. “The real challenge is to coordinate existing initiatives in order to build a coherent cross-border network,” said Christelle Guillon, Head of Efficiency and Decarbonisation at the Occitanie Regional Energy and Climate Agency. The study identifies three key priorities for accelerating the development of renewable hydrogen in the Pyrenees: strengthening cooperation among regions across the Pyrenean arc, supporting businesses and local authorities in adopting hydrogen-based solutions, and promoting a common position before the French, Spanish and Andorran governments, as well as European institutions. Funded by the European Union through the Interreg POCTEFA 2021–2027 programme, the PHYRENE project has a budget of €1.2 million and will run until the end of 2026. Its objective is to foster economic integration and support the energy transition across the Pyrenean cross-border region.The post Renewable hydrogen could reduce CO₂ emissions in the Pyrenees by up to 86,400 tonnes per year first appeared on All PYRENEES.