H2med Hydrogen Corridor reaches key milestone with the launch of the BarMar Company

July 3rd, 2025

Today, transmission System Operators, Enagás (Spain) ―through its affiliate Enagás Infraestructuras de Hidrógeno (EIH)―, NaTran and Teréga (France) announced a significant step forward for the H2med project with the signing of a Shareholders' Agreement. This agreement establishes the creation of a joint venture dedicated to the development of the BarMar Project of Common Interest (PCI), the renewable hydrogen pipeline that will connect Barcelona, Spain, to Marseille, France - a key part of the H2med project, alongside the CelZa project.

This major new step, coming one year after the signing of a Joint Development Agreement in June 2024, provides a clear structure and accelerates the implementation of this essential component of the European Union's first clean hydrogen corridor, which aims to cover 10% of Europe's hydrogen consumption by around 2030.

The new company, which will be based in the South of France, in Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur[GA1] , defines the project's governance structure. The shareholding is distributed as follows: EIH-Enagás with 50%, NaTran with 33.3%, and Teréga with 16.7%. This split reflects the overall balance of the H2med project, which is shared 50% by Spain and 50% by France. Mr. Francisco Pablo de la Flor García, from Enagás, has been appointed as the new entity's Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This pivotal milestone is announced eight days after European support was reconfirmed during a high-level meeting between the leaders of the five companies involved in the H2med project and the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Teresa Ribera, who oversees the Green, Just and Competitive Transition.

The project's momentum is further solidified by the recent signing of Grant Agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) for the BarMar and CelZa (Celorico–Zamora) projects. The funding secured represents 100% of the funds requested under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and covers 50% of the development costs[ma2] [he3] . These funds are crucial for launching the engineering studies, marine reconnaissance surveys, and environmental impact assessments required for the permitting process.

 Mr. Francisco de la Flor, CEO of BarMar

Mr. Francisco de la Flor, with over 35 years in the energy and natural gas industries, has held various roles and responsibilities in commercial, technical, procurement, international, planning, regulatory, and public affairs within Enagás and other companies.

He currently chairs the Group of Experts on Gas at the UNECE and is a member of the Executive Committee and Council of the IGU. He is involved in GII GNL, LNG2026 Programme Committee, and the Investment Committee of BIAC/OECD. Previously, he served as President of Gas LNG Europe and was a board member of GIE, ENTSOG, NGVA, Marcogaz, and Sedigas.

Mr. Francisco de la Flor  holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Economic Sciences and Business Administration, complemented by an executive program at IESE business school.

Mr. Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagás:

“The creation of this joint company embodies our collective commitment and determination to deliver this vital energy infrastructure for Europe. This marks the beginning of a new operational phase that will allow us to tackle the technical and regulatory challenges with an integrated team and a common goal: making H2med a reality.”

Ms. Sandrine Meunier, CEO of NaTran:

“This new joint company provides the necessary framework for the long-term development of the BarMar hydrogen pipeline, a key component of the H2med project. It also gives concrete form to cross-border cooperation in developing strategic energy infrastructure to decarbonize our industries.  Based in France, the BarMar company is now a place where all partners' expertise in hydrogen transport will converge to foster a new phase of Europe’s energy."

Ms. Carolle Foissaud, CEO of Teréga:

“The announcement of the BarMar company anchors H2med at the heart of Europe's energy sovereignty and enables the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. The European funding testifies to the confidence placed in our joint expertise. Along its partners, Teréga is fully mobilised to make this European clean hydrogen corridor a success for the decarbonisation of our industries and regions.”

About the companies involved in the H2med project:

Enagás is a Transmission System Operator (TSO) with 50 years’ experience in the development, operation and maintenance of energy infrastructure. It has more than 12,000 kilometres of gas pipelines, three underground storage facilities and eight regasification plants. The company operates in seven countries.

In Spain it is the Technical Manager of the Gas System and, according to the Royal Decree-Law 8/2023, Enagás may operate as provisional Hydrogen Transmission Network Operator (HTNO) and develop H2med, the Spanish hydrogen network and associated storage facilities.

In line with its commitment to energy transition, Enagás has announced its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, with a firm commitment to decarbonisation and the promotion of renewable gases, especially hydrogen. Find out more at: https://www.enagas.es/en/

NaTran is the new name of GRTgaz. In 2025, it changed its name and launched a new corporate project focused on energy transition and carbon neutrality. To achieve its strategic goals, the company is adapting its networks and practices to address ecological, economic, and digital challenges. It provides infrastructure and logisitics solutions tailored to gases that contribute to the energy transition (biomethane, hydrogen and CO2).

NaTran is the second-largest gas transmission operator in Europe. The Group has two subsidiaries: Elengy (Europe’s leading LNG terminal operator) and NaTran Deutschland (operator of the MEGAL network). NaTran undertakes public service missions aimed at ensuring safe gas transport for its customers.

The NaTran R&I research center (formerly RICE) is an international benchmark in research and innovation applied to the energy transition. NaTran Group key figures: 33,800 km of pipelines, 590 TWh of gas transported, nearly 3,850 employees, nearly €2.5 billion in revenue in 2024. To find out more about NaTran and its initiatives, visit NaTrangroupe.com, X, LinkedIn, Instagram.

OGE gets gaseous molecules flowing. We create and maintain a modern, safe and efficient infrastructure for natural gas, hydrogen and CO2. Our pipeline network with a length of more than 12,000 kilometres is fundamental to Germany’s energy supply and ensures the prosperity of our society. As the market-leading gas transmission system operator, we are a pioneer, driver and enabler of the energy transition and climate neutrality. We see ourselves as transformation consultants and service providers for industry, power plants, distribution system operators and our partners from production and politics. The OGE Group is also a future-proof, modern workplace for more than 2,000 people. In the interests of our employees and shareholders, we continually adapt our business model to ensure lastingly profitable development. For more information on the company, go to www.oge.net.

REN – Gasodutos, S.A. is the Portuguese gas TSO and part of REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais, SGPS, S.A., a group of companies that integrates the Portuguese electricity TSO, as well as other gas activities concessions in Portugal such as, the Sines LNG Terminal, the underground storage and one gas distribution company.

Besides its operation in Portugal, REN also has gas and electric grid assets in Chile and a share in the Cahora Bassa power plant in Mozambique. REN – Gasodutos, S.A. is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of more than 1,300 km of high-pressure pipelines in Portugal and for the national gas system technical management. Find us at https://www.ren.pt/.

Teréga – Established in South-West France, at the crossroads between major European gas flows, Teréga has exercised exceptional expertise for over 80 years in the development of gas transport and storage infrastructures. Today, it continues to develop innovative solutions to overcome the major energy challenges facing France and Europe.

A true accelerator of the energy transition, Teréga operates over 5,000 km of pipelines and 2 underground storage reservoirs representing 15.8% of the French gas transport network and 27% of national storage capacity.

In 2024, the company generated turnover of €488 million (excluding balancing and congestion) and had more than 647 employees.

Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of Teréga’s strategy, as it embarks on the energy transition to carbon neutrality. Teréga has rolled out programmes in all areas of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance): its employee safety and its infrastructure security via the PARI 2035 programme, sustainable development of territories and social responsibility via the ENERGIZ MOUV programme, support of philanthropic projects via the Teréga Accélérateur d’Énergies endowment fund, and reduction of environmental impacts via the BE POSITIF programme with a commitment to a 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2021 on all scopes 1, 2 and 3. Find us at https://www.terega.fr/.