Gasunie has made the investment decision for the first part of the national hydrogen network. This national hydrogen network, which will cost approximately 1.5 billion euros, will connect, starting from 2030, the major industrial regions in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
The investment for the first part amounts to 100 million euros and will be developed by Gasunie’s subsidiary, Hynetwork Services. The work will commence after the summer in Rotterdam.
The network will also have connections to import terminals in the seaports, domestic hydrogen production, and large-scale hydrogen storage facilities. Last year, Hynetwork Services was tasked by the government to develop the hydrogen network.
The national network will ultimately span a length of 1,200 kilometers and will largely consist of existing natural gas pipelines. Rotterdam will serve as one of the seaports and play a crucial role as a major gateway for hydrogen to Northwestern Europe. Hydrogen will be transported through the network to industrial consumers in the Netherlands and surrounding countries such as Germany and Belgium. The first part of the hydrogen network in Rotterdam will run from the Second Maasvlakte to Pernis, covering a distance of 30 kilometers, and is expected to be operational by 2025.
Starting from 2030, the national hydrogen network will connect the seaports with major industrial clusters in the Netherlands (Eemshaven, North Sea Canal area, Rotterdam, Zeeland, and Limburg) and with hydrogen storage locations. Connections to Germany (Ruhrgebiet and Hamburg) and Belgium will also be established.
Approximately 85% of the network will consist of repurposed natural gas pipelines, which is 75% cheaper than building new infrastructure.
