New version of access conditions for the hydrogen network published
In late 2022, Hynetwork launched what we call a ‘trialogue table’ together with VEMW and Energie-Nederland (and later also NLHydrogen) to agree on a balanced set of access conditions for the hydrogen network. The aim of this is to lay down clear rights and obligations for both the network operator and the network users, allowing market parties to make investment decisions well in advance and be able to accelerate the development of hydrogen projects throughout the value chain. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has a facilitating role in this and ACM is also involved, considering its future role.
In late 2023, this process resulted in a first set of general conditions (version 1.0) for both transport and connection agreements.
In the autumn of 2025, the process was resumed with intensive involvement of experts from Hynetwork and the representative organisations (including asset management, regulatory affairs, legal and finance). Good progress was made during this time, with mutual understanding and coordination between the parties involved. Input was gathered and processed during several rounds of talks. This resulted in an updated version of the access conditions: articles were fine-tuned, clarified and given better explanatory notes. The technical annexes were also added.
The parties agreed to publish the results they achieved (version 2.0). In the meantime, the contract conditions will continue to be developed. With a view to the expected entry into force of the Energy Act 2.0 by mid-2027, a large part of the access conditions will be converted into methods and conditions or ‘network codes’, which will have to be approved by ACM. The coming period will be used to shape this process and make further improvements where necessary, in close collaboration with the market.
Hynetwork is confident that this approach will lay solid foundations for further market development, both focusing on investment security for market parties and creating a robust and reliable hydrogen network.
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