1.5 billion euros will be put into the project, which will be ready by 2027
The Dutch government has given the Gasunie a green light to convert its existing pipeline network in the Netherlands into a hydrogen network. “This decision is a historic milestone, in the context of the energy transition,” says Han Fennema, CEO of Gasunie. As reported by the GIC.
The project involves an investment of 1.5 billion euros, and is to be ready in 2027. The network will consist of 85 percent recycled natural gas pipes, supplemented with new pipes. If a whole new pipeline network had to be installed, the project would be four times more expensive, says the Gasunie.
The first pipes after the summer
The first pipes will be started after the summer, in locations in Groningen and Rotterdam (because experiments with hydrogen are already underway there).
The Netherlands will become the first country worldwide to make its existing natural gas network suitable for hydrogen, says Fennema. “With our knowledge and expertise, we will contribute to the European climate objectives for 2030 and 2050.”
The hydrogen project is not only good news for the climate, but also for the Dutch economy, says the Gasunie. “All industrial regions will have quick access to the hydrogen infrastructure. This gives the Dutch economy an important starting position,” says Fennema.
“The continuous rural infrastructure will not only connect our ports and industrial clusters with each other and with hydrogen storage locations, but also with our neighboring countries. This makes the Netherlands the gateway to Europe for the global hydrogen market.”
Photo by Emma Steinhobel on Unsplash
