Several potential routes being considered near Lekkerkerk and the Waalbos

There are two potential routes north of Lekkerkerk. Both run through the same peat meadow area, but at slightly different locations.

Lekkerkerk Option 1: along the N210

In this scenario, the hydrogen pipeline runs through the meadows on the south side of the N210. Local farmers have requested that this option be included in the study, as it causes them less disruption than Lekkerkerk Option 2.

Lekkerkerk Option 2: close to the existing natural gas pipeline

This option is situated slightly further south and was also under consideration in the previous phase of the project. A natural gas pipeline already runs through this area. Clustering the new pipeline with this existing one would bring everything together in one location.

Why not use the pipeline corridor?

On this section of the route, the pipeline corridor – which is intended for this type of pipeline – runs immediately north of the N210. There is simply not enough space there. The road runs partly over the corridor, and the foundations of the N210 make a safe crossing impossible.

Further on, near Krimpenerhout, the pipeline can return to the pipeline corridor.

Two options near the Waalbos and Kijfhoek

Hynetwork is also investigating two potential routes near the Waalbos and Kijfhoek railway marshalling yard. Both options run from the pipeline corridor in the Waalbos on the east side of the Waal River to a hydrogen pipeline belonging to Air Products on the west side of the Waal. This requires crossing the railway line, sports fields and the Waal in this area.

Waal Option 1: a single long bored tunnel beneath the railway line and the river

In this scenario, both the railway line and the Waal River are crossed by a single bored tunnel that runs from the Waalbos to an existing pipeline belonging to Air Products in Barendrecht. From that point, the route continues alongside that pipeline.

Waal Option 2: two drillings for the railway and the river

In the second scenario, the first pipeline crosses the marshalling yard and the sports fields via a bored tunnel. This is followed by a second drilling under the Waal River. The route then emerges at the same pipeline belonging to Air Products.

Tip: read more about the various construction techniques, such as directional drilling, at www.hynetwork.nl/bouw (in Dutch).

View the routes on the 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.

Further research in consultation with local stakeholders

The route options were developed following technical studies and input from local stakeholders.

In the near future, Hynetwork will conduct further research into all the options. This will involve assessing factors such as the environment, engineering, the local community, costs and future-proofing. Based on all the research, the final decision on the preferred route will be made by the State Secretary for Climate Policy and Green Growth and the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO).