Netherlands Inaugurates First Section of National Hydrogen Pipeline Network

The Netherlands marked a major infrastructure milestone on May 20 with the inauguration of the first operational section of its national hydrogen network. King Willem-Alexander, Minister Stientje van Veldhoven of Climate and Green Growth, and Gasunie CEO Willemien Terpstra symbolically activated the 32-kilometre pipeline connecting Maasvlakte and Pernis in the Port of Rotterdam.

Construction of the national hydrogen network began in October 2023. The completed first section enables hydrogen transport from production facilities at Maasvlakte to industrial users. The network will expand over coming years to connect major industrial regions across the Netherlands, with connections planned to storage facilities and networks in Germany and Belgium.

The national hydrogen network will eventually span approximately 1,200 kilometres and will largely utilize existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure. The first hydrogen production plant is already connected to the network, with additional production, import locations, and industrial customers expected to connect in subsequent years.

During the Rotterdam event, Gasunie, Thyssengas, and Open Grid Europe signed an agreement to jointly develop a cross-border hydrogen connection between the Netherlands and Germany, advancing plans for a bilateral hydrogen corridor. Officials identified this infrastructure as essential for supporting industrial decarbonisation while maintaining competitiveness and strengthening European energy independence and strategic autonomy.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Central. Read the full article →