National hydrogen network is picking up speed
The cabinet wants to speed up the construction of the hydrogen network by having another organization arrange the permits.
Published on March 10, 2025
Team IO+ selects and features the most important news stories on innovation and technology, carefully curated by our editors.
The Dutch government wants to speed up the construction of the hydrogen network by having another organization arrange the permits. Hynetwork, a subsidiary of Gasunie, is building a national network of hydrogen pipelines. For the most part, existing gas pipelines will be reused. This 1,200-kilometer network connects industrial regions with each other, as well as with storage and import locations and other countries.
Hydrogen network gaining momentum
The cabinet wants to amend the Environmental Decree so that the national hydrogen network is seen as a project of national importance in terms of nature aspects (such as Natura 2000). This will allow the State Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) to take over the environmental permits from the provinces. This is in line with the approach for the national natural gas and high-voltage network, for which the State Secretary is already responsible.
Transferring the permit task to LVVN will speed up the construction of the hydrogen network. This is because the method will be coordinated with other national projects.
Contribution to the climate
The industry in the Netherlands is responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions. Hydrogen as a raw material and fuel can reduce these emissions. The hydrogen network connects industrial regions, storage locations, import points, and other countries.
Gasunie ready to take care of the offshore hydrogen network
The Dutch operator Gasunie will oversee the hydrogen network in the North Sea, promising efficient transport, less land needed for cabling and significant cost savings in energy infrastructure.