Next step for Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands: research plan available for inspection

To explain the latest developments in the project and the research plan, we and EZK are organising several walk-in evenings over the coming weeks for local residents and other interested parties. During these meetings, we will explain where the potential routes for the pipeline run, what is included in the research plan, what studies will be carried out, and how you can submit your comments.

Why this project is important

The hydrogen network in the western Netherlands will be part of a national network that Hynetwork is building at the behest of the national government. This network will connect the five largest industrial regions in the Netherlands with each other, other countries and hydrogen storage and import sites. These five largest industrial regions in the Netherlands are responsible for about 25% of national CO₂ emissions. The creation of this hydrogen network will make it possible to reduce these industrial emissions.

Reuse of natural gas pipelines and construction of new pipelines

The future hydrogen pipeline in the western Netherlands will connect the industrial areas around the North Sea Canal Area and Rotterdam. Where possible, we will use existing natural gas pipelines that are adapted for the transport of hydrogen. Where this is not possible, a new pipeline will be laid.

At this stage of the project, we are publishing the research plan (draft Scope and Detail Memorandum). This plan sets out the potential routes we are investigating, focusing on several themes: the environment, engineering, the local area, costs and future-proofing.  For the environment theme, we are making a proposal for what we will investigate and how we intend to do so. Environmental themes we are investigating include nature, soil, environmental safety, traffic and the landscape. We also describe which routes have already been ruled out and why.

The participation plan has been published alongside this research plan. In it, you can learn how you can contribute your ideas and how we will keep you informed throughout the project.

The feedback received during the previous phase has been incorporated into the research plan where possible. You are welcome to share further feedback during this public consultation period. You can do so from 10 April through 21 May 2026 at the RVO website.

Routes: one route ruled out

Originally, three possible alternative routes  were considered for the section between Ridderkerk and Mijnsheerenland. At this stage, the northern alternative route along the A15 near Barendrecht has been ruled out. We are continuing to examine the other two alternatives. You can find more background information about why this route has been ruled out in the article ‘Why one of the potential pipeline routes for Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands has been ruled out’.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and Hynetwork are organising four walk-in meetings in areas where there are plans to construct a new hydrogen pipeline. Everyone is welcome: local residents, landowners and land users, and anyone else who is interested in the hydrogen network. During these meetings, you can review information, ask questions and comment on the research plan.

The meetings will be held from 19.00 to 21.00 on:

• 22 April at the Van der Valk Hotel, Krommeweg 1, Ridderkerk
• 23 April at the Cultuurhuis, De Markt 201, Krimpen aan de Lek
• 11 May at Midden-Inn, Sportlaan 10, Heerjansdam
• 12 May at the Dorpshart, Van der Straatenplein 2, Mijnsheerenland

No registration is required, and you are welcome to drop in at your convenience.

Share your views via the online area map

The Hynetwork area map for the Western Netherlands shows the potential routes and facilities for the future hydrogen pipeline. You can also leave comments, questions or ideas here.

Questions or more information?

Do you have questions about Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands? Then contact Juanne Rours, Regional Manager for Hynetwork via the contact form at the bottom of the project page on the Hynetwork website. Juanne will also attend the information sessions.

Want to know more about the project procedure and how you can comment on the research plan? Then visit www.rvo.nl/waterstofnetwerk-wn.

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