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At what pressure does the network operate?
The national transport network operates at high pressure so large volumes can be moved efficiently.
How is safety guaranteed?
The network is monitored continuously and maintained to strict standards.
What does a connection cost?
Costs depend on the type and size of the connection.
Who can request access?
Both industrial parties and regional network operators can request access.
What are the costs of a connection to the hydrogen network?
A customer connection is infrastructure dedicated to a single customer, and that customer bears the associated costs. Connection costs are customer specific. Are you interested in a connection? Then let us know.
How can I become a customer of Hynetwork?
Are you interested in becoming a customer? We would like to hear from you. That way, we can involve you early in the development of the hydrogen network and gain insight into the (future) needs of potential customers. Read more about becoming a customer.
Can hydrogen also be blended with natural gas in the Dutch hydrogen network?
It is not possible to blend hydrogen with natural gas. Hynetwork is developing a dedicated hydrogen network.
Will there also be a low-pressure hydrogen pipeline in the regions?
As with the natural gas network, we make a distinction in the hydrogen network between a high-pressure network (being developed by Hynetwork) and a low-pressure network (being developed by distribution network operators such as Alliander). Hynetwork is only laying a high-pressure network. In the future, regional distribution networks can be linked to the national hydrogen network operated by Hynetwork. Currently, the legal framework of linking distribution networks to the national hydrogen network is not yet in place.
Who pays for my connection?
The costs of the connection to Hydrogen network Netherlands are paid by the applicant.
Can regional parties (such as local and provincial authorities, port authorities and network operators) have a connection set-up implemented?
Yes. Third parties (such as local and provincial authorities, port authorities and network operators) can enter into an agreement and the associated financial obligations with Hynetwork for the development and implementation of a connection set-up to support future hydrogen developments in the region. This is called a Valve Study Agreement (VSA).
Does this connection set-up involve a “split tee”?
The term “split tee” is used informally to refer to a “connection set-up”. Both terms basically mean the same thing: the minimum infrastructure needed to prevent a future need for tapping.
Who pays for the connection set-up?
The Valve Party pays for the connection set-up under the articles in the existing Valve Investment Agreement. It is up to the contract party to make arrangements for mutual settlement with any associated parties.
Why do you ask for a €150,000 guarantee for the VSA?
As well as designing the connection set-up, studies need to be performed in relation to the site and dimensions. On balance, € 150,000 is an appropriate amount for a customer guarantee.
How do you determine the dimensions of the set-up?
On the basis of capacity details provided by the contract party. Annex A of the VSA has space for details such as the required site, H2 capacity and entry/exit. The contract party is responsible for ensuring the correct details are provided.
What about the OPEX costs?
The OPEX costs are settled through a Valve Agreement (VA).
Will the VIA/IA routes be separated? So there’ll be two separate routes, each for a different result?
Yes. The Valve Party can have a connection set-up implemented through a VIA. For individual parties who want an actual connection pipeline implemented, the current route from a CSA remains applicable. Also see the image entitled “How to become a customer?”.
Is a connection set-up the same as a system interface?
No, a connection set-up is the minimum infrastructure needed to prevent the need for tapping later on.
Are the any credit rating requirements for taking out the VSA?
Yes, before signing the VSA the party’s credit rating will be assessed as certainty for the customer guarantee.
How can I participate in the plans?
Construction of the hydrogen network requires permits from various government bodies. To keep everything on track, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) is coordinating the decision-making process. We call this the Project Procedure. EZK and Hynetwork Services believe it is important that everyone has the opportunity to contribute ideas. This is why we will organise walk-in meetings among other things, and there will be several opportunities to submit responses and comments.
What is the deadline for preparatory connection set-up (split tee) requests in my region in relation to ongoing project procedures?
The project procedures have now started in all regions. Whether your connection set-up request can still be included in the procedure depends, amongst other things, on whether the connection scheme was already part of the draft NRD, based on market interest and local circumstances, such as the vicinity of a Natura2000 area, the precise configuration of the split tee and the situation in terms of private law. This will have to be assessed in the CSA/VIA process for each individual request. Please contact us for this; we will be happy to help.
When establishing the Memorandum on Scope, the scope is generally frozen for the studies within the context of the MIA, which includes the connection set-ups. For connection diagrams that have already been drawn up, this is the most realistic deadline. For new connection diagrams, it is advisable to submit the request as soon as the Notice of Intention and Proposal for Participation have been published, so that the desired connection diagram can still be included in the draft NRD. Check the regional pages for the latest news regarding the various regions.
The following also applies:
- including a connection set-up in parallel to the construction of the national hydrogen network is only possible if this does not pose any risk to fulfilling the schedule as set out in the roll-out plan;
- attaching a connection pipe remains possible after construction of a new hydrogen pipeline or conversion of an existing natural gas pipeline.
What if the project procedure is at such an advanced stage that a connection set-up can no longer be included?
In that case, it will be determined whether a separate permit process can be followed in addition to the project procedure that is already ongoing or completed, to maximise the chances of being able to construct it at the same time as the hydrogen network’s main pipeline.
Who is responsible for starting up a parallel procedure for an all-in-one permit for physical aspects if necessary?
A parallel procedure relates to a request for a separate permit in addition to the ongoing or completed project procedure. If a VSA is concluded, Hynetwork will initiate this permit procedure.
Which party eventually issues an all-in-one permit for physical aspects for a connection set-up?
The municipality in question issues the permit for connection set-ups.
Fixed point of contact
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.