Preferred route for Drenthe-Overijssel Hydrogen Network announced and available for inspection

Karin van der Ploeg, environs manager for the hydrogen network in the northern region of the Netherlands, explains. ‘The hydrogen network in Drenthe and Overijssel is an important part of the national hydrogen network. It provides the connection with the industrial cluster in the northern region of the Netherlands (in the province of Groningen) and also connects to the Eastern Region Hydrogen Network, which can be used to reach other large industrial clusters. What’s more, the Dutch network connects to the German network at Vlieghuis.’

How are local communities and stakeholders being engaged?

‘We have worked hard on all sorts of studies to arrive at this draft Preferred Alternative. At the end of March, there will be two evening drop-ins to explain to local residents and other stakeholders what makes this the preferred route for the hydrogen pipeline. People also have the opportunity to respond to the draft Preferred Alternative. And we are organising a separate evening drop-in especially for landowners and land users. They will, after all, be affected by the work being carried out on their land. We feel it’s important to ensure that everyone is well informed so that the local communities and other stakeholders know what to expect. This way we are able take into account their wishes and ideas as best we can.  

From studies to draft preferred route

The Drenthe-Overijssel Hydrogen Network project is of national importance, which is why the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth is coordinating the decision-making. To guide all of this there is a project procedure. By following the steps in this procedure, we engage everyone as best we can when deciding on what exactly will be happening. We are currently at the draft Preferred Alternative step in the procedure.

Karin says, ‘We have been investigating various routes along which the pipelines for the hydrogen network could be installed. The effect of the pipeline on nature, the environment and local communities are all aspects we have looked at. The same goes for the construction costs and the likelihood of being able to keep the pipeline in that location in the future.’

‘Choosing the preferred route is not a simple matter: the choice is made based on the findings of various studies. In addition to information behind the choice for the preferred route, the findings of the studies (in the form of an Environmental Impact Assessment and an Integrated Effect Analysis) will also be available for inspection until 17 April 2025.’

Which route was chosen?

The hydrogen network in Drenthe and Overijssel runs from Nieuwediep (in the municipality of Stadskanaal) to Ommen and branches off at Elim to Emmen. Existing natural gas pipelines can be reused along much of the route. A new hydrogen pipeline will need to be installed along three sections: between Elim and Vlieghuis, between Vlieghuis and Schoonebeek, and between Nieuw-Amsterdam and Emmen.

Two possible routes were studied for the Coevorden area. The basic alternative was chosen with new pipelines being installed alongside existing natural gas pipelines wherever possible. Additional studies are being conducted at Vlieghuis to provide support for the choice of bundling this pipeline with existing pipelines rather than installing it in the dedicated pipeline corridor. 

You’re welcome to drop in

The Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth is organising two drop-ins at the end of March. During these sessions, you can learn about the project, ask questions and give your thoughts on the draft Preferred Alternative. Registration is not required: simply drop in at any time during the event. Karin explains, ‘We feel it’s important for the local community to contribute ideas and have their say. We’re happy to tell you what we’re working on, and we also want to make use of your knowledge about the local community. This can generate valuable ideas.’ 

Drop-ins:

• Monday 24 March at the MFC De Opsteker community centre, De Spil 1 in Nieuwlande
• Monday 31 March at the ’t Schienvat social/cultural centre, Heidebloemstraat 4 in Erica

The meeting for landowners and land users will take place on Wednesday 19 March. These stakeholders will receive a separate invitation to this event.  

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