Estonia has launched a national planning process to identify a potential route for a hydrogen pipeline as part of a six-country European project, with the government currently seeking a consultant to carry out the necessary studies. The planned route would involve 24 municipalities, with potential corridors expected to be identified by next year before discussions begin with affected landowners.

One option under consideration is a land-based route through Estonia that could connect Finland with Central European energy markets, while another envisages a pipeline running along the Baltic Sea seabed directly between Finland and Germany.

Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs sees the land route as an opportunity to strengthen energy security, attract investment and support the development of a domestic hydrogen economy. However, project manager Monika Korolkov warned that Estonia could lose significant economic benefits if Finland ultimately opts for the undersea alternative.

Read more: ERR.EE