Dutch Gasunie subsidiary Hynetwork and its Belgian counterpart Fluxys hydrogen have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) for a cross-border hydrogen connection between the Netherlands and Belgium. Where possible, this connection will be developed using existing natural gas pipelines that have been repurposed for hydrogen transmission. The two companies aim to complete this connection by around 2030.
The border point near Zandvliet, between the Dutch province of Zeeland and the Belgian province of Antwerp, is being considered as the first strategic bidirectional node connecting key import and production sites to industrial clusters, including the North Sea Port and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the ports of Antwerp and Ghent in Belgium. This connection will help realise the ambition to create an integrated, open and accessible hydrogen transmission network in north-western Europe to bolster energy independence and decarbonise industry. The agreement also allows scope to develop additional border points.
Agreements for safe and reliable hydrogen transport
The joint development agreement marks a significant step towards further, closer collaboration. In it, the two companies have laid down agreements on key technical and organisational matters, including planning, location, capacity and other specifications. Such agreements are needed to be able to transport hydrogen safely and reliably across the border. This joint initiative by Hynetwork and Fluxys sends a powerful signal to the international hydrogen market that says that the development of a cross-border hydrogen network is in full swing.
Helmie Botter, Gasunie’s Hydrogen Transport Director: ‘Cross-border hydrogen trade and transport is crucial for a properly functioning hydrogen market in north-western Europe. With this infrastructure, we’re enabling hydrogen transport between the Netherlands and Belgium. Our goal is an integrated hydrogen market. Through close collaboration between Gasunie and other transmission system operators, we’re making cross-border transport as easy as possible, empowering industry across Europe to go sustainable. That’s ultimately what we’re working towards.’
Ben De Waele, Director of Fluxys hydrogen: ‘We are currently already building multi-molecule infrastructure between the town of Zelzate and Antwerp’s port area. Under this agreement, we’re joining forces to develop bidirectional hydrogen transport infrastructure between Belgium and the Netherlands. We are also working on pipeline infrastructure to connect other neighbouring countries and thus help expand the hydrogen network across north-western Europe.’
Source: Gasunie
