Energy infrastructure company Gasunie has begun work on the first part of its hydrogen network. The network will span the Netherlands and surrounding countries, connecting major industrial regions. It will cost around €1.5 billion.
Gasunie’s subsidiary HyNetwork Services is developing the first stage, investing over €100 million.
Hans Coenen, Gasunie’s executive board member, says: ‘This launch marks an important step in the development of the hydrogen chain, which we are taking together with partners. A word of thanks also goes to the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Shell Nederland and the Ministry of Economic Affairs for their constructive cooperation and to our shareholders for their trust. We are keen to contribute to the sustainability and security of supply of energy in the Netherlands and other countries in north-western Europe.’
The first section of the hydrogen network will run in Rotterdam from the Tweede Maasvlakte to Pernis, a stretch of more than 30 km. Work will start in Rotterdam after the summer. It is expected to be operational by 2025.
The national network is expected to be operational from 2030 onwards. It will eventually be 1,200 km long and largely consist of existing natural gas pipelines. The network will also have connections to import terminals at seaports, domestic hydrogen production and large-scale hydrogen storage facilities.
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, says: ‘Within the European Union, hydrogen is going to play a crucial role in making our societies more sustainable and contributing to European energy independence. Here, the Netherlands can play a connecting role to bring the international supply of hydrogen to industrial end-users. Ultimately, it is the companies that have to do it. I, therefore, compliment Gasunie on this decision taken and wish them good luck with its realisation.’
