Gasunie and the German transmission system operators Open Grid Europe and Thyssengas have signed an agreement to jointly develop a cross-border hydrogen transport network between the Netherlands and Germany. The aim is to connect the two national hydrogen networks at the shared border crossing point of Zevenaar (Netherlands) / Elten (North Rhine-Westphalia). Where possible, existing natural gas pipelines will be utilised and converted for hydrogen transport. The companies aim to complete the connection by 2031.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven, and Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, during the “Hydrogen Milestone Ceremony” in Rotterdam. The event celebrated the completion of the first section of Gasunie’s Dutch hydrogen network. The agreement underscores the shared goal of establishing the large-scale hydrogen infrastructure in North-West Europe as an international system from the outset. The agreement was signed by Hans Coenen (COO of Gasunie), Dr Thomas Hüwener (CEO of Open Grid Europe) and Dr Stefanie Kesting (CEO of Thyssengas).
Rhine-Ruhr as a strategic demand market
The Zevenaar-Elten border crossing point connects German industry and the chemical sector with hydrogen production, storage and import facilities in the Netherlands. According to the agreement, the focus in the first phase is on connecting the Rhine-Ruhr region, followed by southern locations such as Ludwigshafen. On the Dutch side, the Delta-Rhine corridor plays a central role in this context as the connecting infrastructure between the port of Rotterdam and the German hydrogen network.
From vision to reality
The Hydrogen Milestone Ceremony took place as part of the World Hydrogen Summit. It became clear here that the energy transition is moving from vision to implementation. With the completion of the first section of the hydrogen network in Rotterdam and the agreements on cross-border hydrogen corridors, the foundations are being laid for further national and European connections. A European hydrogen system is essential to strengthen energy security, decarbonise European industry and create a resilient, future-proof energy supply.
Dr Thomas Hüwener, CEO of Open Grid Europe: “The energy transition requires strong European partnerships. The hydrogen corridor between the Netherlands and Germany is a key step towards jointly advancing security of supply, industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation. The fact that we can utilise existing infrastructure makes the roll-out faster, more efficient and economically viable.”
Dr Stefanie Kesting, CEO of Thyssengas: “Through cross-border cooperation, Gasunie, Thyssengas and OGE are strengthening the link between regional hydrogen demand and European infrastructure. The Zevenaar-Elten border crossing point will enable transport from the Dutch import port of Rotterdam to the Rhine-Ruhr region. In doing so, we are making a significant contribution to decarbonisation, future security of supply in Europe and the resilience of industry and small and medium-sized enterprises in north-west Germany.”
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Caption: Gasunie, OGE and Thyssengas sign a Joint Development Agreement for the joint Zevenaar-Elten border crossing point to connect the Dutch and German hydrogen networks. From left to right: Stefan Rouenhoff (Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy), Stientje van Veldhoven (Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth), Hans Coenen (COO of Gasunie), Dr Thomas Hüwener (CEO of Open Grid Europe), Willemien Terpstra (CEO of Gasunie), Dr Stefanie Kesting (CEO of Thyssengas), Britta van Boven (Managing Director of Gasunie Deutschland)
Image source: © Anne Reitsma, reproduction free of charge provided the source is credited
