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It is not possible to blend hydrogen with natural gas. Hynetwork is developing a dedicated hydrogen network.

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.

The costs of the connection to Hydrogen network Netherlands are paid by the applicant.

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).

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.

Many of the existing natural gas pipelines are in good condition and can, after inspection and possible modifications, also be used to transport hydrogen. This means we do not have to lay new pipelines everywhere. Prior to a pipeline becoming part of the hydrogen network, we perform a comprehensive assessment of whether it can be used safely and reliably to transport hydrogen.

We always examine a pipeline extensively before integrating it into the hydrogen network. We inspect the inside of the pipeline, assess its technical condition, and carry out repairs or replace components as necessary. Only pipelines that meet our safety requirements will actually be used to transport hydrogen.  

Usually not. Given that we are reusing existing pipelines, we often do not have to do any work along large sections of the pipeline route. Work may, however, be required at locations where we need to replace pipeline components, carry out repairs or modify valves for use in the hydrogen network. If such work will have an impact on your local area, we will inform you in advance.

When we inspect pipelines, we access them from existing valve locations, meaning that no work will be required along most of the pipeline route. In areas where we do need to carry out work, we will inform local residents in advance of what work that will be and when it will be performed. After the pipeline has been put into service, you will not notice that hydrogen is being transported through it. As with natural gas, the hydrogen is transported underground.

In most cases, it will have little impact on your land. The pipeline will remain in the same place. Sometimes, we have to carry out work on the pipeline, such as to repair a pipeline section or to modify a valve location. If such work will have any kind of impact on your land, we will contact you in advance.

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.

Yes. After the pipeline has been repurposed, you can continue using your land as usual. As is the case now, there will still be rules in place to prevent damage to the pipeline. For example, you need permission to dig to certain depths or build something, plant trees or place other large objects above the pipeline.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.