Hydrogen network Netherlands
On 29 June 2022, former Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten announced the plans for the construction of a national transport network for hydrogen. As a subsidiary of Gasunie, Hynetwork was commissioned to build the hydrogen network in the Netherlands and subsequently assume the role of hydrogen network operator.
Contributing to the climate goals
Industry in the Netherlands is currently responsible for about 25% of the country’s CO2 emissions. The use of hydrogen as a raw material and fuel can reduce industrial emissions and contribute to achieving the climate goals. The hydrogen network will connect our largest industrial regions to each other, to hydrogen storage and import sites, and to foreign countries.
Using existing pipelines
We are mainly using existing pipelines to develop the hydrogen network. These will become available as less and less natural gas transport occurs in the coming years. More than half of the national network will consist of reused natural gas pipelines. Where that is not possible, we will lay new pipelines.
Building the hydrogen network in phases
We will start building the hydrogen network in the major industrial regions, such as the North Sea Canal area and the southwest of the Netherlands. We already started building the hydrogen pipelines in Rotterdam in 2023. We are also starting work in other parts of the Netherlands to connect the major industrial regions. More information can be found in the roll-out plan, which details the various phases.
Project Procedure
The hydrogen network is of national significance. To make all the subprojects possible, land-use decisions must be made and permits must be issued. A special procedure is used for this: the Project Procedure under the Environment and Planning Act. The aim of this procedure is to speed up decisions for large energy projects without compromising due diligence and opportunities for citizens to express their opinions. Under the Project Procedure, everyone has several opportunities to contribute ideas and submit comments. You can find more information about the steps on the Project Procedure page.