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Cross-border hydrogen pipeline project launches on North Adriatic region
30/6/2026
News
European engineering firms CRC Evans and Monter Strojarske Montaže have partnered to deliver a hydrogen pipeline infrastructure project that will create a cross-border energy network from Croatia’s Adriatic coast into Central and Eastern Europe.
The pipeline network spans over 200km across three sections, each requiring a tailored technical design to address local geographical conditions. The hydrogen-ready system includes some sections capable of transporting up to 100% hydrogen. All three phases are scheduled for completion and operation by the end of 2026, with both firms responsible for finalising field installations within this timeframe.
'This project is a milestone not only for CRC but for Europe's wider energy transition,' said Henk de Graaf, Director at CRC Evans. It forms part of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) programme, which spans Slovenia, Croatia and Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
The NAHV is the first transnational hydrogen valley initiative to secure European Union backing, with EU funding covering around 7.3% of the €345mn project cost. The balance has been raised through the Northern Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform and contributions from industrial partners. Launched in September 2023, the initiative is due to complete in August 2029.
The programme aims to demonstrate cross-border integration of hydrogen production, distribution and consumption, facilitating the transport of more than 20% of the three participating countries' targeted 5,000 t/y of hydrogen output.
NAHV will launch 18 testbed applications across the hard-to-abate, energy and transport sectors, replacing fossil fuels with pipeline-delivered hydrogen. These applications will progress from Technology Readiness Level 6 to Level 8 by project completion, transitioning from localised pilots to fully qualified commercial operations. Four fuel-cell applications will also be demonstrated in the energy and transport sectors to test hydrogen-to-electricity conversion efficiency and reliability under real-world conditions.
The findings are expected to inform infrastructure design and regulatory frameworks for subsequent regional networks, with at least five additional hydrogen valleys planned across central and southeastern Europe.
