Questions about the hydrogen pipeline in the western Netherlands running through the Krimpenerhout and Donckse Velden nature reserves lead to further investigation
The plans for the future hydrogen pipeline in the western Netherlands involve constructing a new pipeline through several nature reserves, including the Krimpenerhout nature reserve near Krimpen aan de Lek and the Donckse Velden nature reserve in Ridderkerk. During the presentation of the plans to the local community, we heard a number of concerns and responses. We spoke with Juanne Rours, Regional Manager for the Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands project, about how the route was selected and other options.
In the initial plans, the new hydrogen pipeline runs through the Krimpenerhout and Donckse Velden nature reserves. Why was this route chosen?
There are rules for determining the route of a new hydrogen pipeline. For example, only pipelines for hazardous substances and those of national significance may be installed in the designated pipeline corridors. If this is not possible, pipelines must be laid as close as possible to existing pipelines (in the ground) or along roads, bike paths or railway lines.
Juanne: ‘So pipelines are laid alongside each other to avoid criss-crossing the country. The designated corridor for our hydrogen pipeline passes through the Krimpenerhout and Donckse Velden nature reserves. We have to follow this route as closely as possible when laying the new hydrogen pipeline, unless there are important reasons not to do so.’
How final is the proposed route?
The plan submitted in April 2025 (Intention and Proposal for Participation) outlines the preliminary general plans and suggests potential routes for the pipeline. Extensive research is still underway and consultations with the local community are ongoing to gain a clearer understanding of the best possible route.
Juanne: ‘Not only is the route not finalised, but neither is the method we will use to lay the pipeline. The construction method can make a difference in terms of the impact on nature and the environment. We published this route in our initial plans to ensure that we consider all opinions, ideas and concerns from the local community in the next steps and follow-up studies.’
Are there options for avoiding the Krimpenerhout and Donckse Velden nature reserves during the construction of the new hydrogen pipeline?
Juanne: ‘We cannot ignore the fact that the pipeline corridor designated for this type of pipeline passes through these areas. However, we are taking the responses seriously and are looking for other options. For example, we are exploring a construction technique that involves drilling to lay the pipeline under the Krimpenerhout, passing through the area underground.’
This technique does not involve work sites in the nature reserve itself. Instead, work would be carried out from two sites on the outskirts of the Krimpenerhout. This means there would be no need to dig into the ground in the Krimpenerhout or remove any vegetation. This approach would also minimise disturbances to local wildlife, and the Krimpenerhout could remain open for recreational use during construction.
Juanne: ‘We also were asked to investigate a route along the N210 instead of going through the Krimpenerhout. However, we believe this route is unrealistic. What's more, drilling under the Krimpenerhout is easier from a technical point of view.’
There are also concerns about crossing the Donckse Velden nature reserve. Are there any other options here?
Juanne: ‘No, unfortunately we see no options at this point other than following the designated pipeline corridor as closely as possible. What makes this complicated is that the Donckse Velden is situated between Huys ten Donck and the Slikkerveer neighbourhood. We need to run the pipeline under the New Meuse River somewhere and then ensure there is enough space to resume drilling above ground. The only place we can see this happening is in the Donckse Velden. We are still exploring the best way to lay the pipeline here to minimise disruption to the area and to the people who live nearby and visit it.’
Read the responses and replies
The submitted responses to the plans and our replies can be found in the consultation response document published on the Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s project page (in Dutch). You can also find the Intention and Proposal for Participation here.
More information
You can find more information about this project on the project page for Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands.
Would you like to stay informed about the development of the hydrogen network in your area? Then subscribe to the Hynetwork newsletter.
News & knowledge
