Nordic-Baltic hydrogen corridor sees 79 TWh annual demand by 2040
Demand for the planned Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor could reach 79.2 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually by 2040, according to a new market survey showing strong industry interest in Europe’s emerging hydrogen infrastructure network.
The findings, published by the transmission system operators behind the project, indicate that expected hydrogen demand would represent around 87% of the corridor’s projected 91 TWh capacity identified in earlier pre-feasibility studies.
The Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) aims to connect Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany through a cross-border hydrogen transport network designed to support industrial decarbonisation and strengthen Europe’s future clean energy supply chains.
The international Call for Interest (CfI) was launched in the first quarter of 2026 to assess demand for future hydrogen infrastructure. The survey gathered responses from hydrogen producers, industrial consumers, storage operators, distribution system operators and transport companies across the six participating countries.
A total of 93 responses were received from 81 companies covering 108 projects. Of the projected 79.2 TWh annual demand, 64.4 TWh is expected to come from dedicated industrial projects, while 14.8 TWh relates to German distribution networks.
The results broadly match earlier projections and demonstrate significant market appetite for a hydrogen corridor expected to become commercially operational from around 2033 onwards.
Amber Grid Chief Executive Nemunas Biknius said the findings provide a strong foundation for developing the hydrogen connection between northern and central Europe.
He said the survey shows that market participants across the region, including Lithuania, are already identifying a clear need for hydrogen infrastructure, adding that the next step will be converting these requirements into concrete investment decisions and commercial commitments.
The survey highlights a regional hydrogen market where production capacity in northern Europe is expected to supply growing demand in southern markets.
Finland is expected to become a major hydrogen producer, with output forecast to increase from 15.4 TWh in 2033 to 38.6 TWh by 2050. Domestic consumption is expected to remain relatively stable at around 2.1 TWh annually, allowing significant volumes to be exported through the corridor.
The Baltic states are also expected to develop into both hydrogen producers and consumers. Combined regional production is projected to rise from 3.4 TWh in 2033 to 11.1 TWh by 2050, while consumption is expected to increase from 0.2 TWh to 4.5 TWh over the same period.
Poland is forecast to experience strong growth in hydrogen demand, driven largely by industrial users. Domestic production is expected to increase from 2.8 TWh in 2033 to 13.2 TWh by 2050, while consumption could rise from 11.8 TWh to 32.4 TWh.
Germany is expected to become the largest hydrogen market within the corridor, with direct industrial consumption forecast to nearly triple from 15.3 TWh in 2033 to 44.4 TWh by 2050.
Additional demand is expected from German distribution networks serving smaller industrial users and municipal energy providers. Consumption through these networks could grow from 3.0 TWh in 2033 to 24.9 TWh by 2050.
The survey also identified increasing demand for cross-border hydrogen trading, with transported volumes expected to rise from 25.4 TWh in 2035 to 38.2 TWh by 2050. Some capacity remains flexible, suggesting the development of a wider European hydrogen trading market where companies secure transport access to reach competitive markets.
The NBHC project is currently in the feasibility phase, with technical and commercial studies expected to continue until completion in 2027. The participating transmission system operators will continue working with market participants to refine capacity requirements and evaluate development pathways.
Project partners said the survey confirms the strategic importance of the corridor while also highlighting the need for a stable regulatory framework to support investment decisions and accelerate hydrogen infrastructure deployment.
As Europe seeks to reduce industrial emissions and strengthen energy security, the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor is emerging as a potential backbone for connecting renewable hydrogen production with major industrial demand centres across the continent.
