How we assess the impact in the North Sea Canal area
How can you carry out a large-scale energy project while ensuring the least possible impact on the environment? That question applies to all Hynetwork projects and is the starting point for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Nathalie Kaarls, project procedure and environmental reporting coordinator at Hynetwork, takes us through phase 2 of the EIA for the future hydrogen network in the North Sea Canal area.
From comparison to more detailed analysis
‘Essentially, the Environmental Impact Assessment is our roadmap’, Nathalie begins. ‘We identify the effects a project will have on the environment, considering factors like nature, noise, soil and safety.’
The EIA is a two-phase proess. ‘In phase 1, we compare different routes. In phase 2, we delve deeper into the chosen route.’
In the North Sea Canal area, we have been working on phase 2 of the EIA since October 2024, in collaboration with specialists from Antea Group, public authorities, local partners and other experts. This is an intensive process that requires thorough research and numerous calculations. ‘The EIA forms the basis for the project decision. It enables the State Secretary for Climate Policy and Green Growth and the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) to properly substantiate that decision.’
Nathalie Kaarls
What do we see in the North Sea Canal area?
In phase 2 fo the EIA , the effects of the chosen route were analysed in detail. ‘Many of them are temporary and relate to the construction phase’, Nathalie explains. ‘These include noise pollution, soil quality, traffic disruption and archaeological finds.’
After construction is complete, the situation changes. ‘Once the pipeline is in place, there will be very little impact on the surrounding area’, says Nathalie. ‘The main focus will then shift to environmental safety. This remains important during the operating phase and is addressed in the EIA.’ Strict rules and protocols apply to this type of pipeline, similar to those for natural gas pipes.
There are also issues that require extra attention. ‘For instance, the ecological survey identified several protected species in the area, such as bats, natterjack toads, foxes and martens. We have to bear this in mind during construction.’
‘Therefore, the EIA presents a comprehensive and nuanced overview of the environmental impacts’, Nathalie concludes.
Not only studying, but also improving
The EIA does more than just identifying impacts. Nathalie: ‘The most important thing is what you do with that information. Once we see that environmental impacts exist, we can look at how we can limit or prevent them.’
That can be done in various ways, such as scheduling work differently, taking additional measures or properly restoring the environment once the work is complete. ‘You want to keep the overall impact as small as possible.’
A process that is constantly evolving
Alongside the findings from the EIA, the process leading up to it is also a key part of the project. Drafting the EIA is not a straightforward process. ‘A project like this is constantly evolving’, Nathalie explains. ‘New insights keep coming to light.’
Thanks to early collaboration with the contractor, we can assess the feasibility of plans at a very early stage. ‘It’s a back-and-forth process of adapting the technical design to the environment. That means you’re constantly making adjustments.’
Although the adjustments are minor, they can have significant consequences. ‘Every detail affects the calculations. That makes it complex.’
By identifying and rectifying issues like these at an early stage, the project and the environment will be better prepared for implementation. ‘That sometimes means the process takes a little longer, but it prevents surprises later on.’
Where are we now?
The project has now moved on to the next phase. 'Phase 2 of the EIA is being finalised. All this information will be used for the permit applications and the draft project decision’, Nathalie says. These documents are expected to be made available for public review sometime after the summer of 2026.
‘That’s also when we will again explain all the documents during walk-in meetings. Anyone can ask questions and express their views there.’
The coming period will focus on decision-making and public consultation. After that, the project can move on to the implementation phase. ‘If everything goes to plan, construction can start in 2028, and we’ll be working towards completion around 2030.’
Working carefully, one step at a time
Nathalie concludes by looking back on the process.
‘The thing I really like about my role is bringing the whole project and its impact together,’ she says. ‘And above all, the collaboration: you work with lots of different parties and specialists and are constantly learning from one another. That makes the result even better.’
It is precisely that combination that makes the job interesting, she believes. ‘The common ground between such a complex project and a complex environment with many stakeholders – that’s where the challenge lies.’
The area has now been thoroughly mapped out. ‘We know where our focus needs to be and what we need to prioritise. That allows us to take targeted measures.’
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