Gasunie has taken the investment decision for the first part of the national hydrogen network. The investment of this first section is over €100 million. It will be developed by Gasunie's subsidiary Hynetwork Services. Work will start after the summer in Rotterdam. The national hydrogen network will cost around 1.5 billion euros. It will connect major industrial regions in the Netherlands and surrounding countries, such as Germany and Belgium, from 2030 onwards.
The national network will eventually have a length of 1,200 kilometres. It will largely consist of existing natural gas pipelines. Rotterdam will act as one of the seaports. It is an important gateway for hydrogen to Northwest Europe. Hydrogen can be transported through the network to industrial customers in the Netherlands and surrounding countries, such as Germany and Belgium. The first part of the hydrogen network runs in Rotterdam from the Second Maasvlakte to Pernis. This is a stretch of more than 30 kilometres and is expected to be operational by 2025.
Investment decision on hydrogen network
Hans Coenen, member Executive Board Gasunie: 'I am proud that we can now take the investment decision of the start of the national hydrogen network. This start marks an important step in the development of the hydrogen chain, which we are taking together with partners. A word of thanks here also goes to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Shell Netherlands and the Ministry of Economic Affairs for the constructive cooperation and to our shareholder for their trust. We are happy to contribute to the sustainability and security of supply of energy in the Netherlands and other countries in north-western Europe."
International connecting role
Hydrogen contributes to making energy supplies more sustainable. For instance, in making industry and heavy transport more sustainable. But also as a feedstock in chemistry. Moreover, the hydrogen infrastructure enables connections with other countries. And with its large-scale storage possibilities, it provides additional flexibility in our green energy supply.
Hydrogen infrastructure
Gasunie can play a connecting role in the energy transition by developing hydrogen infrastructure in the Netherlands, Germany and the North Sea. Construction of the national network in the Netherlands will start after the summer. Gasunie is also contributing to the German and European hydrogen strategy in northern Germany with hydrogen infrastructure (import, transport and large-scale storage). Moreover, the Dutch cabinet has plans to designate Gasunie to develop a hydrogen network in the North Sea. This will further strengthen its international connecting role.
European energy hub for hydrogen
From 2030, the national hydrogen network will connect seaports with the major industrial clusters (Eemshaven, North Sea Canal area, Rotterdam, Zeeland and Limburg) in our country and with hydrogen storage sites. It also provides connections to Germany (Ruhr area and Hamburg) and Belgium. It promotes the development of the Netherlands as a European hydrogen energy hub and the growth of the international hydrogen market. It also contributes to European energy independence.
Existing pipelines
Using existing pipelines, made available by the decline in natural gas transport, will benefit the environment and reduce costs. About 85% of the network will consist of reused natural gas pipelines, That is 75% cheaper than building new infrastructure.
Read also: Rotterdam Port Authority reserves space for green hydrogen plant
Photo: Gasunie
