Information for landowners and land users

We are committed to ensuring that all landowners and land users affected by the construction of the hydrogen network know what we are doing, what to expect from us in terms of inspections and work, and how they can give their input on our plans. The preparations and actual construction of the hydrogen network may impact your land, your company’s operations or your daily work.

We agree clear arrangements on things such as pipeline installation methods, work strips, right in rem, compensation and claims handling. To make these arrangements, we reach out to you personally to discuss them, so that we can tailor our plans to the specific situation on your land. Once everything is clear, we put every detail of the arrangements in writing to ensure that you know exactly where you stand and so that we can jointly make sure the work is carried out with as little disruption as possible.

Building a new hydrogen pipeline starts long before the digging begins. It is preceded by a great number of surveys, inspections, careful consideration and talks. We start off with various kinds of surveys to determine whether a pipeline route is both technically feasible and can be accommodated within the surrounding area, such as:  

• soil surveys and manual drilling; 
• flora and fauna surveys; 
• agricultural land surveys;
• land surveys;
• hydrogeological surveys;
• archaeological surveys.

We always seek landowners’ permission for these surveys. A team of advisers from our land use/real estate matters department makes the appropriate arrangements for this, usually by sitting down with you at your kitchen table.

Having a fixed point of contact at our department of land use/real estate matters is key, because it means you always have someone who knows your situation and takes your perspective. This adviser knows exactly what is relevant to your land, what surveys or work will be performed soon, and what arrangements have already been agreed, so you will not have to explain your situation again every time and you always know who to turn to with questions and concerns. The land use/real estate matters adviser: 

• makes arrangements on access permissions; 
• explains what surveys are needed; 
• can answer any questions about plans or work; and
• will continue to be your point of contact during and after construction.

Our work to lay a pipeline may (temporarily) affect the use of your land and the income it generates for you. In some cases, this impact is instant, as you are unable to use the land while work is being carried out on a pipeline. In other cases, losses occur later, such as when the soil needs time to recover. In these situations, you will receive a collaboration fee.
We will also compensate you for any damage to crops caused by surveys or work. Arrangements to this effect will always be set out in a written agreement. Over the first two years, we will assess any damage and handle claims ourselves. After that, you can submit any claims through Gasunie’s stakeholder engagement platform.

Working safely is always our top priority. We will explain how we prevent risk, such as by marking out clear work areas, putting temporary diversions in place, and making solid arrangements for accessibility and emergency routes. This way, you know exactly where you stand.

It is important to us that everyone in the local area gets an opportunity to have their say on the plans. We actively listen to questions, concerns and ideas from landowners, land users and other stakeholders. These help us improve the design, carefully weigh the various options, and consider local interests. We always follow up on the feedback we receive, so you can see how your input has helped shape the process and how we are jointly creating a network that fits into its surroundings.

Throughout the formal project procedure, Hynetwork works together with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland), with the latter taking care of communication about the procedure and Hynetwork keeping you informed on the project, plans, and work in your local area. 

Depending on the project phase and developments, you will receive resident letters, invitations, or newsletters. We also post the latest project updates for each region online and organise information sessions, either on site in the region or online. This ensures that you are always up to date on progress.