Why one of the potential pipeline routes for Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands has been ruled out
Hynetwork is investigating several potential routes for the new hydrogen pipeline that will be laid between Zuidbroek and Mijnsheerenland as part of the Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands project. It is a challenging task: the area is densely developed, with many residential areas, roads and motorways, rivers, and nature and recreation areas.
At this stage of the project (the public consultation on the research plan), one of the routes will no longer be included in the studies for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): the route north of Barendrecht along the southern verge of the A15. What does this mean and why has this route been dropped from the studies? Nathalie Kaarls, project procedure and environmental reporting coordinator at Hynetwork, explains.
A pipeline route must tick all the boxes: technically, spatially and legally
The development of a pipeline route always starts with a broad approach. At the start of the project, many potential routes are considered, though they are not yet fully developed. Discussions with various (technical) specialists and stakeholders help to clarify which areas offer sufficient space for a pipeline and where there may be bottlenecks.
‘For each route you want to have assessed for environmental impact in the EIA, it is important that it is technically feasible, fits into the space available and complies with legislation and regulations,’ Nathalie explains. ‘If any one of these elements is lacking, it makes no sense to continue with that route in your assessments.’
Upon closer examination of the eliminated route, it became clear that some of these conditions were not achievable. During more detailed technical analyses, it became apparent that there were junctions and locations where there was not enough space for construction, or where work could not be carried out safely. In addition, the pipeline would run so close to the motorway on this route that it would need to be relocated again in the event of work on the motorway, for example, which would also require space. As a result, it was unclear whether the pipeline could remain in the same location in the long term.
Lack of space is a determining factor
Laying a pipe with a diameter of around one metre requires quite a lot of space.
‘We came up against limitations on this route,’ Nathalie says. ‘There wasn’t enough space above ground to lay the pipe safely underground. You can come up with many creative solutions, but there are limits to what is responsible and feasible.’
At some junctions, it also turned out that the pipe could not be installed safely without risks to the surrounding area or other infrastructure. And that is always a firm red line.
Next steps: focus on two promising routes for laying a new pipeline
The two routes deemed feasible and viable are described in the research plan so that they can be examined in detail in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA will assess factors such as soil, water, nature and environmental safety. In addition, a Comprehensive Effects Analysis (IEA) will be conducted. It will consider not only the environment but also other aspects: the local area, engineering, costs and future-proofing.
Even at this stage of the project, where the research plan for the EIA is being made available for public inspection, we remain open to other routes and suggestions from the local community.
Nathalie emphasises that this next step will also be taken with great care: ‘We continue to work one step at a time. That can be intensive at times, but in the end it’s the only way to arrive at a preferred route that has the broadest possible support from the local community.’ It is up to the State Secretary for Climate Policy and Green Growth and the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) to select this preferred route based on the studies carried out.
Where can you go for more information or questions?
The research plan for Hydrogen Network Western Netherlands will be available for inspection from 10 April to 21 May 2026. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy will organise several walk-in meetings. Read more in the previously published news item about the research plan, the walk-in meetings, and where and how you can review the plans and submit your comments.
Do you have questions about the hydrogen network in the western Netherlands? Then visit hynetwork.nl/en/region/projects/western-netherlands. You can also contact Juanne Rours, Regional Manager at Hynetwork, via the contact form at the bottom of the project page on the Hynetwork website. Juanne will also attend the information sessions.
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