The Netherlands – Rob Jetten, the Dutch minister for climate and energy, unveiled updated plans for the development of a national hydrogen transportation network.
In the upcoming years, Gasunie will build out the hydrogen network in the Netherlands, after which it will take on the position of TSO (Transmission System Operator). In addition, Gasunie will be crucial for the import and storage of hydrogen. Minister Jetten will look into whether Gasunie can also operate the grid at sea due to the anticipated increase in offshore hydrogen production in the North Sea. A more sustainable energy system in the Netherlands is being developed with the help of these new plans.
The Netherlands has all the resources required to make hydrogen a commercial success. We can be ambitious in how we use carbon-free hydrogen, from large-scale production to transport at home and abroad to storage, thanks to its location on a shallow sea that is highly suitable for the installation of wind turbines, and because of the existing infrastructure for transport and storage.
The country’s major industrial clusters, the seaports, and hydrogen storage facilities will all be connected by the hydrogen network in the upcoming years. Belgium and the Ruhr region of Germany are also realizing connections. This will help the market for hydrogen to expand.
Clean and effective
Using the existing gas infrastructure will allow the Netherlands to advance significantly. The national network will be made up of about 85% recycled natural gas pipelines. They will become accessible as natural gas transportation decreases over the coming years. This benefits the environment and only requires a small amount of new excavation work. Because it is much cheaper to reuse existing infrastructure, it is also economically efficient.
The Netherlands will become more environmentally friendly thanks in large part to hydrogen. It is especially suited to assisting our businesses and industry in operating more efficiently and sustainably in the upcoming years.
Currently, the Netherlands’ industrial sector is responsible for about 25% of the country’s CO2 emissions. Utilizing hydrogen as a feedstock and fuel can cut industrial emissions and significantly advance the 2030 and 2050 climate goals.
