Hynetwork to build 7 connections with Germany and Belgium

‘This is the map of the national hydrogen network.’ Smit points to a large board showing the routes for the hydrogen pipelines through the Netherlands, with large jigsaw pieces marking the border with neighbouring countries. ‘Each jigsaw piece represents one cross-border connection,’ he explains, ‘and we’ll be completing the rest of the puzzle over the next few years.’

Hynetwork will build a total of seven cross-border connections over the next few years together with German and Belgian partners. Four of those connections will be with Germany and three with Belgium. The first two agreements were signed in December 2025. ‘We’ve got the first two pieces of the puzzle in place.’ Smit points to the northernmost cross-border connection near Oude Statenzijl in the province of Groningen. ‘We signed this agreement with our sister company, Gasunie Deutschland. The second cross-border connection is in Drenthe, near Vlieghuis and we signed this agreement with German TSO Thyssengas,’ says Smit.

The Dutch government envisions hydrogen playing a major role in the energy transition. Using hydrogen as a feedstock and a fuel can cut industrial carbon emissions, significantly contributing to the climate targets. The Dutch hydrogen network will link up the major industrial regions and connect them to the hydrogen storage facility in Zuidwending. And there is now also an international link.

‘If we want a well-performing hydrogen market in the Netherlands, we need sufficient supply and demand,’ explains Smit. ‘Linking up to our neighbours will create a larger market, so Dutch hydrogen producers will be able to reach industry in Germany and Belgium, as well as in the Netherlands. Both the supply and demand side will benefit.’

‘We’ll continue building the hydrogen network over the next few years. We’ve worked on complex puzzles several times before, so we know what we need to do,’ concludes Smit.