Greek natural gas grid operator DESFA has invited bids for an 8.6 million euro ($9.8 million) detailed engineering design contract for the H2DRIA hydrogen pipeline, marking a major step forward in establishing Greece as a clean energy export hub for Central Europe.

The project involves designing a 570-kilometer (354-mile) high-pressure pipeline dedicated to pure hydrogen.

Running parallel to Greece’s existing high-pressure natural gas network, the line will stretch from Agioi Theodoroi in Corinth to the Greek-Bulgarian border.

Once completed, H2DRIA will link domestic production sites—such as Motor Oil’s planned green hydrogen facility in Agioi Theodoroi—to key industrial hubs around Athens, Corinth, and Thessaloniki.

Crucially, the pipeline will connect with Bulgaria’s gas grid, enabling hydrogen exports to Central Europe, including Germany and Italy.

The contract covers only the technical design phase required prior to construction. The winning bidder will have 16 months to complete the package.

Bids are due by Aug. 26 through the cosmoONE sourceE neo electronic procurement platform.

H2DRIA forms the southern foundation of the South-East European Hydrogen Corridor (SEEHyC), a joint initiative by eight transmission operators spanning Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany.

The 2,854-kilometer corridor aims to transport up to 80 gigawatt-hours of hydrogen daily—roughly 800,000 metric tons per year—from Mediterranean production centers to heavy industry in Germany and the Czech Republic.

Recognized by the European Commission as a Project of Common Interest, H2DRIA has received 5.4 million euros ($6.2 million) in EU Connecting Europe Facility funding for preparatory studies. The design tender is co-funded by DESFA and EU financing mechanisms.

To qualify, bidders must demonstrate strictly relevant technical experience in 100% hydrogen pipeline engineering.

Financial criteria require an average annual turnover of at least 8 million euros ($9.1 million) from 2022 to 2024, a credit line of at least 800,000 euros ($912,000), and a 160,000 euro ($182,400) bid guarantee.

According to the announcement, the contract will be awarded to the lowest-priced qualified offer.