Community plays an important role in determining the route of the hydrogen network in the North Sea Canal Area

Hynetwork and the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth worked with the community to establish the preferred route for the hydrogen network in the North Sea Canal Area. The route uses both existing natural gas pipelines and new pipelines that are yet to be laid. Zhen Zhen: ‘Together we examined several potential routes for the pipelines and compared them based on factors such as environmental impact, community considerations, technical feasibility, costs and future viability. Local knowledge was essential in determining the potential routes since the people who live there know the most about their area. Good ideas emerge from sitting down together and going over the plans. That is why we involved community members and various other parties at an early stage.’

Kees, who has previous experience in project work, always attended the meetings related to this project. Kees: ‘I am a board member of the Vondelkwartier residents’ association, and I focus on the project’s impact on the neighbourhood and the surrounding area. That is important to me. This way, I can minimise any negative effects caused by the project and provide input. I’ve noticed that we can make a contribution and things will be done differently. We are genuinely listened to. By getting involved, I not only see the inconvenience and effects of the coming hydrogen network, but I also see the need for it and what we get in return. The route we (from the neighbourhood) submitted ultimately proved to be the best option following all the studies. The content of the project is interesting, and I have learned a lot from it. It also feels good to be able to make an important contribution to a social purpose.’

The pipeline route for Hydrogen Network North Sea Canal Area (the Preferred Alternative) was adopted by the minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth and the minister of Housing and Spatial Planning on 7 November 2024. The Preferred Alternative and related documents have been published and can be reviewed on the Energy Projects Agency’s website (in Dutch).

It will remain important to ensure the community’s involvement in the next phase as we start construction. Zhen Zhen: ‘I would like to see a wider variety of participants in the process. The people who now come to our meetings and offer feedback tend to be a bit older. Their input is certainly very useful, but it’s also vital for the younger generation to take an active role in the energy transition, to contribute new ideas and to thus have a positive influence on their future. I would also like to see even more residents and business owners share their local knowledge with us and hear how we can be of use to each other during the work.’

Kees is also looking forward to the continued collaboration. 'By staying in contact with the project team, I can offer suggestions and ideas that could reduce inconveniences later during construction. This could include issues like accessibility or restoring green spaces. I would like to have a contact point during construction so questions and complaints can always be addressed.’ 
‘There will undoubtedly be some disruption’, Zhen Zhen added. ‘Although we try to limit these impacts where we can, laying or converting pipelines is not a silent process. Another factor is that several other projects are active in the area alongside ours. Ultimately, we must all remember that we are doing this in service of a greater cause. We want to move away from fossil fuels and reduce CO₂ emissions to keep the Netherlands liveable for future generations.’