A central strategic axis is to be created via the border points in Oude Statenzijl (Groningen) and Vlieghuis (Drenthe), connecting Dutch industrial areas, import routes via Dutch harbours as well as storage and production facilities directly with industrial areas in Germany - particularly in the Ruhr and Rhineland - and the markets in north-western Europe. The pipeline system will then be used for the first cross-border hydrogen transport between Germany and the Netherlands and supply the first launch customers.
Thyssengas is contributing its existing natural gas pipeline between Vlieghuis in the Netherlands and Ochtrup in North Rhine-Westphalia to the project. The conversion work already started in the summer of this year. The pipeline is also part of the Germany-wide hydrogen core network and the GET H2 hydrogen initiative.
Support for industrial decarbonisation in the Ruhr and Rhineland regions
The agreement defines key technical and organisational points that are essential for the safe and reliable transport of hydrogen across the border. The signing of the agreement lays an important foundation stone: It is a first step towards the full realisation of several cross-border hydrogen transport connections between the Netherlands and Germany.
Helmie Botter, Director Hydrogen Transport at Gasunie, explains: "The cross-border trade and transport of hydrogen is crucial for a well-functioning hydrogen market in north-west Europe. This agreement not only enables transport via our infrastructure between the Netherlands and Germany, but also to and from Denmark. We are striving to create an integrated hydrogen market and are working closely with our partner network operators to make cross-border transport as easy as possible."
Dr Thomas Gößmann, CEO of Thyssengas: "The signing of this contract marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the international hydrogen infrastructure. We are particularly proud that our Thyssengas pipeline from Vlieghuis in the Netherlands to Ochtrup in North Rhine-Westphalia will make a valuable contribution on several levels: It will enable cross-border hydrogen transport between Germany and the Netherlands, support the development of the German hydrogen core network and drive industrial decarbonisation in the Ruhr and Rhineland regions through its connection to the GET H2 system."
Dr Thomas Becker, Commercial Director at Thyssengas, adds: "Hydrogen is a key driver for a more sustainable energy supply. The decarbonisation of industry in the Ruhr region and the chemical sector in the Rhineland - regions in which Thyssengas is primarily active - is crucial to achieving climate targets. Hydrogen plays a key role in this transformation: as a CO₂-free energy carrier, it enables energy-intensive processes such as steel and chemical production to make the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. The agreements on cross-border hydrogen transport infrastructure represent an important milestone - not only in the development of this network, but also in advancing the common goal of climate neutrality."
Michael Theben, Head of Department at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: "North Rhine-Westphalia is the industrial heart of Germany and one of the most important industrial centres in Europe. Our task is to make this location climate-neutral and thus future-proof. The contract between Thyssengas, Gasunie Deutschland and HNS for the cross-border transport of hydrogen between the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia is an important milestone in this respect: the transport strengthens security of supply, connects us to major import routes and creates planning security for companies and municipalities. The GET H2 initiative is an example of how the energy transformation can be jointly advanced along the entire value chain - from hydrogen production to transport and utilisation. As the state government, we strongly support this approach."
Press contact:
Annika Preuß
Press Officer Project Communication
Thyssengas GmbH