Joost de Wijs on 100% conversion: a unique hydrogen project in the eastern Netherlands
Construction of the national hydrogen network is well under way and preparations have begun in the eastern Netherlands. Joost de Wijs has been the regional manager for this part of the hydrogen network since 1 March. That means he is the first point of contact for people in the surrounding area, and he ensures that everyone is well informed and that any concerns are shared and addressed. We spoke to him about his work, the project and what people can expect from him.
Working on something that matters
‘A better environment starts with you’ is a well-known slogan. But how do you do that? Joost explains: ‘What could be better than actively contributing to the energy transition through your work and helping to build a sustainable future? We are all affected by the energy transition and the changes that come with it. All of us are becoming increasingly aware of the environment and climate change. That’s why it’s important for people to understand what is happening and why. And that inspires me.’
Joost has been working in the energy industry for some time and has thrived alongside the ascent of hydrogen in recent years. ‘Five years ago, you heard a mention of hydrogen every now and then. Now we are on the verge of creating a nationwide network. Hydrogen is playing an increasingly larger role. How cool it is to help build that.’
From gas to hydrogen
The project in the eastern Netherlands is unique. No new pipelines will be laid for hydrogen; instead, an existing natural gas pipeline will be converted to transport hydrogen. We call that reuse.
Joost: ‘That has advantages. We don't have to dig as much, so there is less disruption. Also, the costs are lower and it is sustainable. In fact, no new pipes need to be manufactured. Although the network is largely fixed, there are still a few locations where we are making adjustments.’
‘One example is the replacement of shut-off valves at various locations. A shut-off location is a point in the hydrogen network where several pipes come together and where shut-off valves are installed to regulate or interrupt the flow of hydrogen gas. You can think of it like a stopcock in the water mains: it allows certain sections of the network to be safely shut off for maintenance or expansion or in the event of a malfunction.’
Point of contact for the local community
As regional manager, Joost is the first point of contact for everyone affected by the project: from local residents and municipalities to water boards and other parties. ‘I explain what we do, but it is just as important that I hear what’s going on. I then feed that back into the project. If there are other construction plans in the region or a local event is occurring when we want to carry out work, we can take that into account in our work schedule.’
What can people expect from you?
‘You can always contact me’, Joost emphasises. ‘At Hynetwork, we want to be accessible and approachable. If you have questions or just want to know exactly what is happening or what will happen, feel free to contact me via the website.’
Joost adds: ‘I’m also in the area quite often, meeting municipalities or water boards, for example. There’s a lot going on in the energy transition, and we are far from the only group with plans. That’s why it’s important that we continue to coordinate and inform. In October, we will again be organising information sessions for local residents and anyone interested in the hydrogen network in the eastern Netherlands. That is when we’ll be taking the next step in the project procedure, and we want to keep the local community informed about this. I’m looking forward to it because it’s that kind of contact with the local community that makes my work so enjoyable.’
Joost de Wijs
Regional manager Eastern Netherlands
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