Preferred route selected for the Southwest Netherlands hydrogen network

The hydrogen network in Southwest Netherlands forms part of the national and international hydrogen network. It will connect industrial clusters and ports in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, helping companies reduce their carbon emissions by switching to hydrogen. The route for the hydrogen network in Southwest Netherlands runs:

• from the border connection points with Zelzate and Antwerp (Belgium), via Woensdrecht to Moerdijk;
• and from Woensdrecht to the port of Vlissingen.

Why was this route selected?

De route is niet zomaar tot stand gekomen. Er is uitgebreid onderzocht wat de beste optie is, met oog voor de impact op de leefomgeving, veiligheid, toekomstbestendigheid en kosten.

The route was selected following extensive research into the most suitable option, taking into account its impact on the local communities and the environment, safety, future readiness and cost.

An important principle underlying the project is to make use of existing infrastructure wherever possible. Between Zelzate and Moerdijk, an existing natural gas pipeline will therefore be repurposed and made suitable for hydrogen transport. Between Woensdrecht and Vlissingen, a new hydrogen pipeline will be installed alongside existing cables and pipelines wherever possible.

In locations where routing alongside existing cables and pipelines would cause greater disruption or environmental impact, alternative routes with a lower impact on the surrounding area have been selected. You can explore the full route in detail via the interactive project map.

The route selection is supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA Phase 1), an Integrated Effects Assessment (IEA), and advice from, among others, the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment and regional authorities. Feedback received from local communities and stakeholders has also been taken into account.

The draft Preferred Alternative was published for public consultation from 7 November to 18 December 2025. During this period, residents and other stakeholders were invited to submit their responses. The responses received and the corresponding answers have been compiled in the Consultation Response Report. A summary of the feedback and how it will be considered in the next phase can be found in this news article.
 

What happens next?

In the coming period, the route will be further refined and studied in greater detail as part of EIA Phase 2.

A Preparatory Decision is expected to be adopted by the end of this year. This decision temporarily reserves space for the future hydrogen pipelines, ensuring that new spatial developments do not obstruct the project.

These steps will provide the foundation for the final Project Decision, spatial planning integration and the permitting process. The draft Project Decision and permit applications are expected to be available for public consultation by the end of 2027, at which point everyone will have the opportunity to provide feedback.
 

We would like to keep the conversation going

The hydrogen network will become part of the living and working environment of residents and businesses. That is why we would like to continue the conversation with you in the period ahead.

Do you have questions, comments or concerns? If so, please contact our Regional Manager, Stephan Tiemessen. You can also leave a message on the interactive project map.

Would you like to learn more about how and when local communities and stakeholders are involved in the project and the decision-making process? Please read the Participation Plan, which explains how local communities and stakeholders can participate in the project and decision-making process.
 

More information

All official documents, including the Preferred Alternative, supporting studies and the Response Memorandum, are available on the website of Energietransitie.nl.

More information about the project and its progress can be found on the Southwest Netherlands project page, where you can also subscribe to the newsletter.