Limburg Chemelot waterstofnetwerk

Limburg

  • Limburg
  • Environment

The future hydrogen network in Limburg will supply green hydrogen to industry in Limburg. In addition, the Chemelot industrial cluster will be connected to other large industrial areas in the Netherlands and to the hydrogen storage location in Zuidwending.

The project at a glance

Hydrogen can make industry more sustainable and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Hydrogen Network Limburg will be part of the national hydrogen network that connects the largest industrial regions in the Netherlands to each other, other countries and hydrogen import and storage locations.

An existing natural gas pipeline between Ravenstein and Schinnen will be converted and made suitable to transport hydrogen for Hydrogen Network Limburg. A new pipeline for transporting natural gas will be laid between Melick and Hommelhof, freeing up the existing pipeline for hydrogen transport. In Ravenstein, the pipeline will connect to Hydrogen Network Eastern Netherlands. This will create a connection to the rest of the national hydrogen network and to Germany and Belgium. A new hydrogen pipeline will be laid in the direction of Chemelot to connect the Chemelot industrial cluster to the hydrogen network. In the future,   a hydrogen pipeline may also be laid from South Limburg to a border crossing at ‘s-Gravenvoeren (Belgium). It has yet to be decided whether this will be a conversion or new construction. 

Map

Below is an Environmental Map, which shows the proposed route of the Hydrogen Network Limburg. You can also use the map to share your concerns, questions, suggestions and points for consideration with us.

News

01 / 01

More information

Informatieavond lokale overheden Limburg waterstofnetwerk

Information Package for Local Authorities

Specifically for provinces, municipalities and water authorities, we share information about the project, the possible route of the hydrogen network, how existing pipelines can be reused, where we currently stand in the project procedure, and answers to frequently asked questions. There is also an image library and links to videos and animations. Use the information package to inform residents through your own channels.

Stay informed with our newsletter

Would you like to stay up to date about developments regarding the hydrogen network? Subscribe to the Hynetwork newsletter.

Frequently asked questions

What will I experience as a result of hydrogen network construction?

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.

Can I connect my home to the hydrogen network?

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.

Will there also be a low-pressure hydrogen pipeline in the regions?

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.

How can I participate in the plans?

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.

Is Hynetwork responsible for the import and production of hydrogen?

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

Alexander Bloembergen

Do you have a question? Alexander Bloembergen is happy to help you