On October 27, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands launched the construction of a national hydrogen network in Rotterdam, a project commissioned by the Dutch government to Gasunie. The network, costing approximately 1.5 billion euros, will link major industrial areas in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, starting in 2030. The King toured the construction site, emphasizing the use of sustainable, zero-emission equipment and innovative technologies like HyTap.
Hydrogen is a vital component in achieving a more sustainable energy supply, particularly in industries and heavy transport. The Netherlands, as the first European country with a hydrogen infrastructure, aims to become a significant renewable energy hub.
The initial 30-kilometer section of the network connecting the Tweede Maasvlakte industrial park to Pernis is expected to be operational by 2025. This national network, spanning 1,200 kilometers, will largely repurpose existing natural gas pipelines, connecting to hydrogen production facilities, seaport import terminals, and businesses transitioning to hydrogen for sustainability.
Gasunie CEO Han Fennema expressed pride in this milestone, while Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten, emphasized the importance of the national hydrogen network in realizing the Netherlands’ hydrogen ambitions and its role as a key hub in north-western Europe.
