Frequently asked questions

Hynetwork is only concerned with the transport network for hydrogen and not about the production, import or use of hydrogen. 

Developing a hydrogen network project will have an impact on the surrounding area and the environment. In addition, there are already many other cables and pipelines in the crowded underground. We want to limit this impact. We will do so by using existing natural gas transport pipelines as much as possible. When new pipes are needed, we will join them to existing pipelines wherever possible. As with natural gas, the immediate vicinity of the pipeline (the route) will be kept free of buildings for safety reasons.

As well as the spatial impact, there also will be temporary disruptions during the construction and modification of pipelines and installations. Gasunie has extensive experience in building natural gas transport networks. The impact of a hydrogen network by Hynetwork will be similar. For example, there may be noise and vibrations, and space must be made available for work sites. As we get closer to construction, we will communicate promptly with neighbouring residents about the impact. You will not notice the transport of hydrogen through the pipes.

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.

No, we will not connect your home to the hydrogen network. Green hydrogen (produced with green electricity) is still in short supply, so it is important to make smart choices about where (green) hydrogen can be used and where it will have the greatest effect. For domestic use, such as heating, showering and cooking, there are already suitable sustainable alternatives, such as electric heating. For other sectors, such as heavy industry, green hydrogen is often the only way to become sustainable. Therefore, our limited supply of green hydrogen should be used mainly in those sectors where, even in the long term, there is no sustainable alternative.

 
Connecting homes and smaller businesses is the job of regional grid operators, such as Stedin or Enexis. They are exploring the possibility of a hydrogen network for homes and smaller businesses in the future.

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.

Hydrogen can be transported in various ways, such as by boat, lorry or pipeline. To ensure that all large industrial companies can use hydrogen, we are building a hydrogen network in the Netherlands. This network will link the industrial clusters in the Netherlands to each other, to foreign countries, and to hydrogen import and storage sites.

Industry in the Netherlands is currently responsible for about 25% of the country’s CO₂ emissions. The use of hydrogen as a raw material and fuel can reduce industrial emissions and contribute to achieving the climate goals. The hydrogen network will connect our largest industrial regions to each other, to hydrogen storage and import sites, and to foreign countries.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The OPEX costs are settled through a Valve Agreement (VA).

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?”.

No, a connection set-up is the minimum infrastructure needed to prevent the need for tapping later on.

Yes, before signing the VSA the party’s credit rating will be assessed as certainty for the customer guarantee.

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.

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.

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.

The municipality in question issues the permit for connection set-ups.