Dr Stefanie Kesting, CEO of Thyssengas, explains: “Together with Cogas, we recognised the potential of cross-border partnerships for ramping up hydrogen, and we have put this potential to practical use. Through the T piece, we are connecting regional demand with European infrastructure. Our Vlieghuis-Ochtrup H2 pipeline provides access to the Dutch import market and, by connecting the T-piece to the German hydrogen core network, improves the supply outlook for industry and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Twente region.“
Gerald de Haan, CEO of Cogas, says: “Together with our Twente and German partners, we are seizing this unique opportunity to connect to the German hydrogen core network. The energy system of the future cannot run on sun and wind alone. Sustainable molecules such as hydrogen are urgently needed. With this first step, we are preparing Twente for a future in which hydrogen becomes a valuable source for our companies and for the reliability of our energy system.”
The T-piece is scheduled for construction in 2027 on the Thyssengas Vlieghuis-Ochtrup H2 pipeline near Nordhorn. It will provide a technical connection to an unused Dutch natural gas pipeline operated by Cogas, which is set to be converted for hydrogen transportation in the future. The pipeline runs from the German-Dutch border to the south of Denekamp in the Overijssel province. The Twente region will then have access to the hydrogen network, with the aim of supplying local industry in Enschede, Hengelo and Almelo in the future.
Connecting a Dutch distribution system operator to the H2 core network via a German transmission system operator is a first. Through this project, Thyssengas is combining its strong regional presence in North Rhine Westphalia and Lower Saxony with a cross-border approach to scaling up hydrogen usage.
Connection to the hydrogen core network
The planned T-piece will connect to the Thyssengas Vlieghuis-Ochtrup pipeline. According to the draft of the network development plan 2025, the pipeline is scheduled to come into operation at the end of 2027. This will be the first cross-border hydrogen pipeline between the Netherlands and Germany. The conversion of the 53-kilometre natural gas pipeline for hydrogen transport is currently underway. The pipeline is part of Germany's core hydrogen network and the GET H2 hydrogen initiative, securing access to the significant import market of the Netherlands.
Thanks to its proximity to the German-Dutch border, the Vlieghuis-Ochtrup H2 pipeline provides the Twente region a decisive locational advantage. The connection near Denekamp can already be established via a 300-metre-long pipeline to the T-piece. This will enable Twente to meet the anticipated demand for hydrogen from industry and small and medium-sized enterprises at an early stage and to achieve its sustainability goals.
International partnership
In addition, a consortium of 13 partners has signed an agreement that goes beyond the construction of the T-piece. The German and Dutch partners have reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a regional hydrogen infrastructure in Twente. The aim is to ensure a comprehensive hydrogen supply across the region and strengthen cross-border cooperation. The agreement was signed at the Twente Safety Campus in Enschede. This is where a new hydrogen testing and training facility called ‘HyField’ is being developed in collaboration with Cogas, set to commence operations in summer 2026.
*The consortium comprises the following partners: Municipality of Enschede, Municipality of Almelo, Municipality of Hengelo, Municipality of Oldenzaal, Industrie und Handelskammer Nord Westfalen, Oost NL, TECHLAND, H2HUB Twente, Twenteboard, Energy Strategy Twente (RES Twente), Cogas, Province of Overijssel, Thyssengas
Press contact:
Lena Behling
Project Communications Officer
Thyssengas GmbH
+49 231 91291 3932
presse@thyssengas.com