The energy transition is a massive undertaking for society as a whole and we are going all out to help speed up this process. Our infrastructure is essential to making the transition happen.

2023 was a turning point. We went from plans and projections to breaking ground on new projects. With infrastructure for security of supply that we can sustainably deploy tomorrow for the benefit of the carbon-neutral society. And this is just the beginning. We have set off, powered by the vibrant strength and forward-looking commitment of all our employees.

Interview with our CEO and our Chairman

Before we look ahead, what did Fluxys stand for in 2023? 

Pascal De Buck We broke ground on projects showing what Fluxys stands for in the energy transition. In Belgium, the new pipeline along the Zeebrugge-Brussels corridor was built and is now in use. And in Germany, work is well underway to upgrade the TENP pipeline. Together with other investments, these two pipelines bolster the security of supply of natural gas today and the infrastructure is ready to be used in the hydrogen networks of tomorrow. We're here to offer society security of supply while speeding up the green transition.

Andries Gryffroy We have set off. Industrially, we’ve taken the first big steps towards multi-molecule infrastructure for a carbon-neutral future. Via our stake in German transmission system operator Open Grid Europe, we’ve created a bridge to geographically complementary hydrogen and CO₂ networks. And our partnership in Omani transmission system operator OQGN gives us a foothold in a country with an extraordinary potential for exporting hydrogen to Europe. At the same time, we’re continuing to move full steam ahead at the pace of industry. For numerous companies, switching to hydrogen or CO₂ capture is the only way forward if they want to continue anchoring their business and employment locally.

Is industry ready for this transition?

Pascal De Buck Decarbonisation is a major economic challenge for industry. We offer an answer to this challenge because we operate internationally and because we're particularly well positioned between the North Sea and the large industrial valleys in North-West Europe. We’re on the path between overseas imports of low-carbon molecules and consumers, and in the opposite direction, between captured CO₂ from industry and safe storage sites in the North Sea. This enables us to attract large volumes and factor economies of scale into the costs of our services. We're on track to become the hydrogen and CO₂ hub of choice for industry in Belgium and North-West Europe.

What challenges lie ahead?

Pascal De Buck We absolutely need an integrated approach to the energy system as a whole because making the transition to net-zero is a threefold challenge. We must ensure a carbon-neutral energy mix while households and businesses need to have energy at all times – all at the lowest possible cost to society. This is only possible by looking at and planning everything holistically. Energy efficiency must improve, we need more green electricity, we need more green and low-carbon molecules and we must ensure that captured CO₂ can be reused or stored. We must make all these solutions work together seamlessly like a Swiss watch for the benefit of all consumers.

Andries Gryffroy Efficient investing requires a long-term approach. In developing hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure, we work closely with the market. At the same time, looking further ahead is key: to be cost-effective for society in the long run, we must build the right size infrastructure today for the volumes that will come later. So it's important to find mechanisms together with the public authorities to limit the risks of initial investments.

What does sustainable development look like for Fluxys?

Andries Gryffroy With our investment plans for hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure, we're developing solutions for the large-scale decarbonisation that society needs. The ESG approach we further deepened together with our stakeholders in 2023 gives us direction. It is our compass for developing our business activities sustainably in a long-term perspective for all of our stakeholders.

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