The Netherlands – King Willem-Alexander has officially opened the first phase of the national hydrogen network development in Rotterdam. The main industrial areas of the Netherlands will be connected to Germany, Belgium, and each other starting in 2030 by means of this nationwide hydrogen network. It is Gasunie who realizes the network.
The Netherlands wants to play a significant role as a center for renewable energy. For this, a robust infrastructure for the transportation and storage of hydrogen is essential. Estimates indicate that about half of the needed hydrogen will need to be imported in addition to being produced domestically. The Netherlands is attempting to establish trade links with a large number of nations in the hydrogen industry.
Natural gas pipelines
The first segment of the hydrogen network is scheduled to go online in 2025 and spans more than 30 kilometers in Rotterdam, running from the Second Maasvlakte to Pernis. Eventually, the 1,200-kilometer national network will mostly be made up of repurposed natural gas pipelines that are already in place. Large-scale hydrogen production facilities, import terminals in sea ports, and domestic and international businesses that use hydrogen to become more sustainable will all be connected to the network.
Among the speakers at the kick-off meeting were Minister Jetten and Gasunie CEO Han Fennema. The significance of hydrogen was also discussed by delegates from social and business organizations. Following the official opening, King Willem-Alexander was given a tour of the construction site by Gasunie staff members, who among other things described the unique technology that allows them to tap into hydrogen pipelines. Subsequently, the King addressed a range of stakeholders regarding the promotion of sustainability in business, the function of hydrogen in a sustainable energy framework, hydrogen transportation, and import alternatives.
