A lot of work comes together: plans for the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network now available to view
After years of research, design work and discussions with the local community, an important step has been taken for the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network. The draft project decision, the Environmental Impact Assessment Phase 2 (EIA) and the draft permits have been published. The documents are now available to view, and everyone can respond to them from 30 October to 10 December 2026.
A great deal of work has gone into reaching this point. The route has been investigated, the potential effects on people, nature and the environment have been assessed, and the necessary permits have been prepared. At the same time, Hynetwork has continued its dialogue with landowners, residents, public authorities and other stakeholders.
So what exactly do these documents contain? Why are they important, and what do the plans mean for the local area? Four people closely involved in the project explain what lies behind this important step, what the plans mean for the local community and what you can do now.
An important step, but not yet a final decision
The plans for the hydrogen network are now at an advanced stage. However, the final project decision has not yet been made. The draft project decision that has now been published describes, among other things, where the pipelines and installations are planned, what measures will be taken and how the environment, nature, safety and the local area have been taken into account.
Christopher Drost is the project manager for the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. He explains why this particular stage is important: ‘The draft project decision now allows people to see very clearly what the plans involve. Where will the pipeline be located, what choices have been made and how has the local area been taken into account? This is not yet a final decision. People can review the documents and let us know what they think.’
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy coordinates the decisions and permits for the project. Hynetwork is the project initiator, prepares the EIA, applies for the required permits and is responsible for constructing the network.
What do the plans mean for people, nature and the local area?
Before the draft project decision could be prepared, extensive research was carried out into the potential effects of the hydrogen network on the local area. This included examining soil, water, nature, archaeology and safety. The findings are presented in the Environmental Impact Assessment Phase 2 (EIA).
Heleen Sarink is the EIA coordinator for the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network and coordinated the EIA process on behalf of Hynetwork.
‘We investigated what the construction and use of the hydrogen network could mean for the local area, including potential effects on nature, water, soil and safety. We also look at how we can minimise the impact on the local area as much as possible. The results of these studies help us, for example, determine how to construct a new pipeline at a particular location. For people living along the route, that information is particularly important: what will happen in my local area, and how have the plans taken this into account?’
An EIA is an extensive document. That is why an accessible version has also been produced for the public, explaining the main research findings in a clear and understandable way.
What permissions are required?
In addition to the project decision, various permits are required to construct the hydrogen network. Hynetwork applies for these permits. The draft decisions for these permits have now also been published. You can respond to these decisions before they become final. But why are these permits necessary, and how do the studies relate to them?
Ingmar de Baat is the permit coordinator for the project and explains: ‘Various permits are required to construct the hydrogen network. A range of interests need to be considered, including archaeology, water, the environment and existing infrastructure. The public authority responsible for a permit, such as a municipality or province, weighs these interests against one another.
For example, suppose there may be archaeological remains in the ground at a particular location. Research will indicate how likely this is. The public authority uses that information when assessing Hynetwork’s permit application. It then decides whether the permit can be granted and what conditions should apply.
By publishing the draft decisions for the permits at the same time as the draft project decision and the EIA Phase 2, everyone can see what has been investigated and how the different interests have been weighed.’
In dialogue with the local community
During the development of the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network, Hynetwork has engaged with landowners, local residents, public authorities and other stakeholders. People have also had opportunities to respond to the plans at earlier stages.
Karin van der Ploeg, Strategic Regional Manager for the project, believes it is important to continue this dialogue during the current stage: ‘People who live and work in the area know their surroundings well. Through our conversations, we hear what is happening locally and which issues people would like us to pay particular attention to. We have used that knowledge to develop the plans further. Now that the plans are more detailed, it is important that everyone has another opportunity to see what is planned in their local area, ask questions and respond.’
This is also in line with the project’s approach to participation. Hynetwork aims to keep the local community informed and give people opportunities to contribute their views. This includes local residents and businesses, local interest groups, civil society organisations and public authorities.
What do the plans mean for your local area?
The formal documents contain a great deal of information. That is why we also explain the plans in other ways. The digital map allows you to see where the pipeline is planned and where existing natural gas pipelines will be modified or new pipelines will be constructed.
In addition, our videos provide step-by-step explanations of various topics, including pipeline construction, safety and what the draft project decision means.
View the plans and have your say
Publication of the documents is an important step, but it does not mark the end of the procedure. The draft project decision, the EIA and the draft permits are now available to view, and everyone can respond to them from 30 October to 10 December 2026 by submitting a formal response to the plans.
The responses received will be taken into account when preparing the final project decision. In this way, the Ministry and Hynetwork will continue working towards a carefully considered decision on the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network.
Do you have a question? Come and meet us
Would you like someone to explain the plans to you in person? Or do you have questions about where the hydrogen pipeline will be located and what you may notice during the construction work? Come along to one of our drop-in sessions.
You can view the plans and speak directly with members of the project team. They can explain topics including construction, safety, the studies, permits and the draft project decision. There will, of course, also be plenty of opportunities to ask your own questions.
You are very welcome to attend one of the following sessions:
- Monday 16 November 2026
MFC De Opsteker, De Spil 1, 7918 AX Nieuwlande - Tuesday 17 November 2026
Dorpshuis ’t Schienvat, Heidebloemstraat 4, 7887 EB Erica
The drop-in sessions will run from 19:00 to 21:00. You can come along at any time during these hours. There is no need to register in advance.
Neighbourhood meeting in Coevorden
For people living in the immediate vicinity in Coevorden, we are also organising a separate neighbourhood meeting on Monday 23 November at Buurtvereniging Tuindorp. Local residents who are invited will receive further information about the meeting directly.
Find out more
Would you like to find out more about the Drenthe Overijssel Hydrogen Network, its route and the planning? Visit Hynetwork’s project page for the latest information about the project.
News and articles
9 October 2026
Visitors share their views on the plans for the Hydrogen Network in the North Sea Canal Area
9 October 2026
How engineers design the hydrogen network of the future
30 September 2026
Final research plan for Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands expected by the end of this year
