Gasunie activates Netherlands hydrogen network in Rotterdam

Construction of the national hydrogen network began in October 2023. With the completion of this first section, hydrogen can now be transported from production locations at Maasvlakte to industrial users. Over the coming years, the network will be expanded further to connect the major industrial regions in the Netherlands, as well as storage facilities and networks in Germany and Belgium.

Minister Stientje van Veldhoven of Climate and Green Growth: 'I am proud to have activated the first section of the hydrogen network today together with His Majesty the King and Gasunie. A true milestone. This network is of enormous importance for the Netherlands and for the opportunities it creates for a cleaner and more sustainable industry. It is a

major step in the Netherlands’ ambition to become Europe’s hydrogen hub. This is essential for the climate, while also strengthening our economy and Europe’s energy independence.'

Gasunie CEO Willemien Terpstra: 'The completion of the first section of the hydrogen network demonstrates that hydrogen is no longer a promise for the future, but tangible infrastructure that is already in place and ready for use. This is a strong building block for a sustainable, affordable and resilient energy system in the Netherlands and North-West Europe. I would like to sincerely thank all colleagues and partners who contributed to making this milestone possible.'

Major step towards an integrated European energy system

The completion of the first section in Rotterdam represents an important step in supporting industrial decarbonisation while maintaining industrial competitiveness. With the Port of Rotterdam serving as a European energy hub and the strategic Delta Rhine Corridor connection, hydrogen and CO2 can be transported between the Netherlands and Germany. This infrastructure therefore forms a key building block for an integrated European energy system. Within this system, hydrogen, CO2, natural gas, heat and wind energy together strengthen the strategic autonomy and economic resilience of the Netherlands and North-West Europe.

Essential precondition for the hydrogen market and industrial decarbonisation

The national hydrogen network will eventually span approximately 1,200 kilometres and will largely make use of existing natural gas pipelines. As such, the network provides an essential foundation for the development of a well-functioning hydrogen market and for the decarbonisation of industry. The first hydrogen production plant has already been connected to the network. In the coming years, additional production and import locations, as well as industrial customers, are expected to be connected to the Rotterdam network.

European cooperation essential as next step is taken towards hydrogen corridor with Germany

The development of hydrogen infrastructure requires close international cooperation. Cross-border networks are crucial to connecting hydrogen supply and demand across North-West Europe and to providing industry with long-term certainty on scale, security of supply and affordability. Against this backdrop, Gasunie, Thyssengas and Open Grid Europe signed an agreement during the Rotterdam event to jointly develop a cross-border hydrogen connection between the Netherlands and Germany. The agreement marks the next step in the development of a cross-border hydrogen corridor linking the two countries.

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ALCHEMPro News Desk (JP)