Hynetwork, a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Gasunie, and its Belgian counterpart Fluxys, have embarked on a quest to connect hydrogen across borders, enabling the Netherlands and Belgium to connect to shared, low-emission energy.
With the aim of connecting Dutch and Belgian hydrogen infrastructure, Gasunie and Fluxys have signed a joint development agreement (JDA). The cross-border hydrogen link between the Netherlands and Belgium will be developed, where possible, using existing natural gas pipelines repurposed to transport hydrogen.
The two players aim to complete this connection by approximately 2030. The border point near Zandvliet, between the Dutch province of Zealand and the Belgian province of Antwerp, is the first two-way strategic node linking major import and production sites with industrial clusters, including… North Sea port and Port of Rotterdam In the Netherlands and ports Antwerp and She sang In Belgium.
Helmet butterGasunie’s Hydrogen Transport Manager commented: “Cross-border trade and transport of hydrogen is crucial for a properly functioning hydrogen market in North-West Europe. Through this infrastructure, we are enabling the transport of hydrogen between the Netherlands and Belgium. Our goal is an integrated hydrogen market.”
“Through close cooperation between Gasunie and other TSOs, we are making cross-border transport as easy as possible, and enabling the industry across Europe to become sustainable. This is ultimately what we are working towards.”
The cross-border hydrogen link is expected to help realize the ambition to create an integrated, open and accessible hydrogen transport network in North-West Europe to promote energy independence and decarbonise industry. The deal between the two companies also allows for the development of additional border points.
The JDA is seen as an important step towards closer cooperation, with the two companies agreeing on key technical and organizational issues, including planning, location, capacity and other specifications. Such deals are said to be essential to enable safe and reliable cross-border transport of hydrogen.
Ben DeWaleFluxys Hydrogen Director noted: “We are currently building a multi-part infrastructure between the city of Zilzate and the port area of Antwerp.
“Under this agreement, we are joining our efforts to develop infrastructure for two-way hydrogen transportation between Belgium and the Netherlands. We are also working on pipeline infrastructure to connect other neighboring countries and thus help expand the hydrogen network across North-West Europe.”
The joint initiative between Hynetwork and Fluxys is interpreted as sending a strong signal to the international hydrogen market, which confirms that the development of a cross-border hydrogen network is well underway.
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