EASTGATEH2V and H2SK Forum 2026: Advancing Cross-Border Hydrogen Infrastructure
Hydrogen valleys are important. Connecting them is essential.
This week, Vice President and Board Member of the Ukrainian Hydrogen Council, Dr. Oleksandr Riepkin, joined partners of the EASTGATEH2V project in Košice, Slovakia, for the consortium meeting focused on advancing one of the most promising cross-border hydrogen valley initiatives connecting Ukraine and the European Union. During the meeting, partners reviewed project progress, coordinated upcoming activities, and discussed the next steps towards developing hydrogen production, transport, and market integration across the region.
The consortium meeting was followed by the H2SK Forum 2026, where Dr. Riepkin participated in the high-level panel discussion “Development of Hydrogen Pipelines in the EU” together with representatives of Eustream, SPP-Distribúcia, and NET4GAS. The discussion explored how hydrogen pipelines can evolve from a long-term vision into practical infrastructure connecting hydrogen valleys, industrial demand centres, storage facilities, and cross-border corridors across Europe.
Dr. Riepkin shared the perspective of Ukraine as a future renewable hydrogen production and export region, highlighting the importance of cross-border infrastructure, certification systems, guarantees of origin, security of supply, and alignment with EU hydrogen market rules. Particular attention was given to the role of hydrogen corridors in strengthening regional energy security, supporting post-war economic recovery, and creating confidence for investors and future offtakers.
A key message from the panel was clear: hydrogen pipelines are not merely infrastructure projects. They are the backbone that can transform individual hydrogen valleys into a connected European market. Their successful development requires coordination between producers, transmission and distribution system operators, industrial consumers, policymakers, regulators, and public authorities across multiple countries.
For Ukraine, this discussion is particularly important. Projects such as EASTGATEH2V demonstrate how future hydrogen production in Ukraine can be integrated with Central European demand centres through shared infrastructure and common market rules.
