Visitors share their views on the plans for the Hydrogen Network in the North Sea Canal Area

Questions about a football club 

When Ywe Lievense from Santpoort read about the drop-in information sessions in the local newspaper, he decided to attend. His questions were related to football club VSV in Velserbroek. An existing natural gas pipeline that will be repurposed for hydrogen transport is located near the club’s new site.

'I wanted to understand what adapting the pipeline means for the club and what work is required to make that possible,' says Ywe. 'There are also plans for other functions at this location, including a possible after-school childcare facility. In that case, you would like to know what is and is not possible and who you can talk to about it.'
During the meeting, Ywe was able to explain his situation and discuss his questions with project representatives. For more detailed information, he was put in touch with Hynetwork specialists. 

'I received a clear explanation and it is good that contact has now been established. There were several experts present, which meant I could raise my questions with the right people.'

Seeing earlier input reflected in the plans 

Members of neighbourhood group WestBeverwijk and the IJmond IJzersterk Foundation also attended the session. They have been involved in the Hydrogen Network in the North Sea Canal Area for several years. During earlier consultations, they contributed ideas about possible route options for the pipeline.

'We have been closely involved and worked with Hynetwork to explore an alternative route," the representatives explain. "Many discussions and consultation meetings took place before that. We appreciate that our knowledge of the area has been taken into account and that we can now see our input reflected in the plans.'

The neighbourhood group also highlighted the importance of preserving and restoring green spaces. Much of the information presented during the meeting was already familiar to them, as they have been following the project for a considerable period and had previously discussed a range of topics during local community consultations.

'Much of the information was already known to us. That is exactly why it was valuable to see that the information presented during the meeting corresponds with what has previously been discussed with us. The draft project decision shows where the project stands after all those discussions and studies.'

Plans and study results available for review 

You can submit a response until 29 October 2026 on the following documents: 

• The draft project decision, which sets out where and how the hydrogen network will be developed and how impacts on the surrounding area will be limited.
• The Environmental Impact Assessment (Project EIA Phase 2), which describes the potential effects of constructing and operating the network on the surrounding area and environment. 
• The draft permits, which are the draft versions of the permits required for the development of the network. 

The documents and information about submitting a formal response can be found on the government website. 

More information about the project and the route is available on the project page for the Hydrogen Network in the North Sea Canal Area.