A conversation with regional manager Rens about the route and schedule for Hydrogen Network Southwest Netherlands
In recent months, we have made significant progress in further developing the route for the hydrogen pipeline in the southwest of the Netherlands. Rens Wilbers is involved in this effort as regional manager and a liaison between the project and the local community. We spoke to him about how the hydrogen network in the southwest of the Netherlands is progressing. What steps have been taken to further develop the route? What challenges must be overcome? And what is the schedule for the next step in the project procedure?
What steps have been taken to further develop the route?
‘We have made adjustments to the planned route at several locations after evaluating the options for laying the hydrogen pipeline. In certain locations, we can lay the pipeline using a (long) drilling method instead of digging (this is also called open excavation). Drilling has less impact on groundwater and causes less disruption above ground. It also has fewer consequences for the landscape, nature and the environment.
‘In some places, there is very limited space available underground. That means we need to take a close look at how to make the best use of the space that does exist. We also have to take into account the existing pipes in the ground and future developments alongside or on the route. A good example of this is the plan for the new water pipeline that Evides will install in the same area as our hydrogen pipeline. At some locations, these pipes will be laid one below the other instead of alongside each other.’
How specific is the route of the hydrogen pipeline at present?
‘We are in talks with various parties and stakeholders and are conducting research, which is giving us an increasingly clear idea of the best possible route. This helps us make choices. The route has not yet been mapped out down to the last metre; we will be working on that over the next few years.
In consultation with port authority North Sea Port, we have determined the route for the hydrogen pipeline in the Sloegebied. This was quite a puzzle because space is limited in that area, especially when you factor in the existing underground pipelines and the future plans and developments there.
The pipeline will probably cross the border into Belgium at Zelzate. We are building a border station at the border crossing at Smokkelpad, which will connect the Dutch hydrogen network to the Belgian hydrogen network. An existing natural gas pipeline along the route from Moerdijk to Zelzate will be converted and made suitable to transport hydrogen. The general locations for a shut-off station near Moerdijk and the border station at Smokkelpad have been identified along this route. The exact locations are now being worked out in greater detail.’
What is a border station?
A border station serves as the link between two countries. This is where the transport of hydrogen between the two countries is regulated and the quality of the hydrogen is measured. This station facilitates imports and exports between countries. In other words, it functions like a customs post, but for energy in the form of hydrogen.
What is a shut-off location?
A shut-off location is a point in the hydrogen network where shut-off valves are installed to regulate or interrupt the flow of hydrogen gas. You can think of it like a stopcock in the water mains: it allows certain sections of the network to be safely shut off for maintenance or expansion or in the event of a malfunction. Several pipes come together at a shut-off location.
Where are we now in the schedule?
‘We cannot simply go ahead with all the improvements needed to further develop the route and modify the plans for laying the hydrogen pipeline. We want to coordinate this carefully with parties such as municipalities, provinces, water boards, Rijkswaterstaat, ProRail and other stakeholders, and that takes a lot of time. This has resulted in changes to the timetable. The publication of official documents concerning the Hydrogen Network Southwest Netherlands project procedure, the draft Preferred Alternative, the phase 1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Comprehensive Effects Analysis (IEA) has been postponed until the end of 2025. This was originally scheduled for the middle of this year. The final decision-making about setting the route of the hydrogen pipeline will follow in 2027.’
What can we expect in the near future?
‘We have now reached the stage where the documents containing all the plans and research results are in draft form and will be reviewed by various parties over the coming months. We will then begin incorporating all their feedback. These documents will then be sent to the Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth (KGG) for approval. As I said earlier, we expect to publish everything before the end of the year. Once published, everyone will be able to access the documents and comment on them. Then we will organise more information sessions.’
What message would you like to share with everyone involved in this project?
‘I’m convinced that we have made significant improvements to the route for the hydrogen pipeline in the southwest of the Netherlands in terms of its impact on the local community and the environment. I take great pride in that. I can imagine that there may still be questions or concerns about the construction of the hydrogen network here. After all, we haven’t actually started construction yet, although we have begun preparations. I therefore invite you to contact me at any time. I would be happy to discuss this with you.’
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