Rotterdam
Rotterdam is already one of the most important energy ports in Europe. Hynetwork is laying a new hydrogen pipeline in this area to help the Port of Rotterdam establish and maintain its position as Europe’s leading green energy port. That is good for employment and our climate.
The project at a glance
The first section of the new Dutch hydrogen network is being built around the Port of Rotterdam. This 32-kilometre hydrogen pipeline will run from Maasvlakte 2 (a new extension of the Port of Rotterdam) to the Shell Pernis refinery. That work began in late 2023.
The hydrogen pipeline runs deep underground throughout the entire area. This requires deep trenches to be dug or the pipeline to be laid in an existing pipeline corridor.
Scheduling the work is a complicated puzzle. In places where the route is close to flood defences, work cannot be carried out during the storm season (October to April). In addition, work may be prohibited during the breeding season (March to July) to avoid any disturbance to the nesting birds. Porthos is also laying a new CO2 pipeline in the port area, and its route is largely the same as ours. We are working closely together to coordinate our efforts wherever possible, in order to minimise disruption to the surrounding area.
Mark Berghuis
Regional manager Rotterdam
Map with the route of the hydrogen pipeline
32-kilometre hydrogen pipeline
The hydrogen pipeline in the Rotterdam port area runs from Maasvlakte 2 to the Shell Pernis refinery. To build the hydrogen pipeline, we have to cross roads, rail tracks, viaducts and water.
We also are preparing branch points at six locations, where companies will be able to connect to the hydrogen pipeline in the future. Pipes can then be laid from the branches to companies that will use or supply hydrogen.
Keeping the community informed
Our work generally does not cause significant disruptions to traffic or the people in the surrounding area. Before temporarily closing roads or rail tracks or allowing construction traffic to cross bicycle paths, we always consult with businesses, residents, and affected organisations in the area. We make sure that businesses remain accessible while we are working. If it is necessary to take additional steps to minimise inconvenience, we will do so.
Contact with affected organisations
When we encounter roads, rail tracks and existing cables and pipelines on the ground that we need to cross, we engage in discussions with the affected organisations. These include Rijkswaterstaat, ProRail, the municipality of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, TenneT, the Hollandse Delta water board and Evides.
Where we are working
24 September 2026
Working on Energy video
24 September 2025
60 metres of pipe high above the ground
24 September 2025
350 metres of hydrogen pipeline under Dintelhaven
28 August 2025
Hydrogen Network Rotterdam – final weld marks milestone
27 October 2023
King Willem Alexander starts construction of first part national hydrogen network
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Frequently asked questions
What will I experience as a result of hydrogen network construction?
Developing a hydrogen network project will have an impact on the surrounding area and the environment. In addition, there are already many other cables and pipelines in the crowded underground. We want to limit this impact. We will do so by using existing natural gas transport pipelines as much as possible. When new pipes are needed, we will join them to existing pipelines wherever possible. As with natural gas, the immediate vicinity of the pipeline (the route) will be kept free of buildings for safety reasons.
As well as the spatial impact, there also will be temporary disruptions during the construction and modification of pipelines and installations. Gasunie has extensive experience in building natural gas transport networks. The impact of a hydrogen network by Hynetwork will be similar. For example, there may be noise and vibrations, and space must be made available for work sites. As we get closer to construction, we will communicate promptly with neighbouring residents about the impact. You will not notice the transport of hydrogen through the pipes.
Can I connect my home to the hydrogen network?
No, we will not connect your home to the hydrogen network. Green hydrogen (produced with green electricity) is still in short supply, so it is important to make smart choices about where (green) hydrogen can be used and where it will have the greatest effect. For domestic use, such as heating, showering and cooking, there are already suitable sustainable alternatives, such as electric heating. For other sectors, such as heavy industry, green hydrogen is often the only way to become sustainable. Therefore, our limited supply of green hydrogen should be used mainly in those sectors where, even in the long term, there is no sustainable alternative.
Connecting homes and smaller businesses is the job of regional grid operators, such as Stedin or Enexis. They are exploring the possibility of a hydrogen network for homes and smaller businesses in the future.
Will there also be a low-pressure hydrogen pipeline in the regions?
As with the natural gas network, we make a distinction in the hydrogen network between a high-pressure network (being developed by Hynetwork) and a low-pressure network (being developed by distribution network operators such as Alliander). Hynetwork is only laying a high-pressure network. In the future, regional distribution networks can be linked to the national hydrogen network operated by Hynetwork. Currently, the legal framework of linking distribution networks to the national hydrogen network is not yet in place.
How can I participate in the plans?
Construction of the hydrogen network requires permits from various government bodies. To keep everything on track, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) is coordinating the decision-making process. We call this the Project Procedure. EZK and Hynetwork Services believe it is important that everyone has the opportunity to contribute ideas. This is why we will organise walk-in meetings among other things, and there will be several opportunities to submit responses and comments.
Is Hynetwork responsible for the import and production of hydrogen?
Hynetwork is only concerned with the transport network for hydrogen and not about the production, import or use of hydrogen.
