Germany Builds Hydrogen Network on Schedule While Netherlands Falls Behind
Berlin, Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Germany completed its first 525 kilometers of hydrogen pipeline network on schedule in 2025, while the Netherlands faces mounting delays and cost overruns. German gas organization FNB Gas reports construction deadlines are being met for their ambitious 9,000-kilometer network planned for 2032. Meanwhile, Dutch auditors revealed billions in additional funding will be needed for their national hydrogen backbone, originally budgeted at 1.5 billion euros but now estimated at 3.8 billion euros.
German Progress Contrasts with Dutch Struggles
The stark difference between German efficiency and Dutch implementation challenges became evident in December 2025. German gas industry organization FNB Gas confirmed that construction deadlines are being met for their national hydrogen network, which began construction this year [1]. The organization stated that “at the end of the year, the first 525 kilometers of the network will be completed as planned” [1]. This achievement represents the foundation of an ambitious infrastructure project designed to connect major hydrogen locations across all German states by 2032, with the network ultimately spanning more than 9,000 kilometers [1].
Netherlands Faces Mounting Cost Pressures
In sharp contrast, the Netherlands confronts significant financial and logistical obstacles in developing its hydrogen infrastructure. The Algemene Rekenkamer released a critical report in December 2025 regarding the national hydrogen network intended to connect major industrial regions from 2030 [1]. The audit revealed that billions of euros in additional funding will be required beyond initial estimates [1]. The financial challenges are particularly stark for the 1,200-kilometer ‘waterstofbackbone’ project, where estimated costs have escalated from 1.5 billion euros to 3.8 billion euros [3]. This cost increase of 153.333 percent represents a substantial budgetary burden that delays are expected to compound further [3].
Regional Projects Show Mixed Progress
While national infrastructure faces delays, some regional Dutch initiatives demonstrate more promising timelines. Amsterdam is investing 4 million euros from its Climate Fund into a 20-kilometer hydrogen pipeline network called H2avennet, planned for operation from 2029 [3]. Wethouder Duurzaamheid Zita Pels announced this allocation on December 11, 2025, as part of efforts to enable industries in the port of Amsterdam to transition away from natural gas [3]. The project, costing 40 million euros total, has attracted 21 companies that have signed letters of intent to connect to the network [3]. However, even this regional project faces implementation challenges, with Firan, a subsidiary of grid operator Alliander, not scheduled to decide on construction until the end of 2026 [3].
Cross-Border Collaboration Offers Hope
Despite domestic delays, recent cross-border agreements signal potential acceleration in Dutch hydrogen infrastructure development. On December 17, 2025, Gasunie and German company Thyssengas signed an agreement for the first cross-border hydrogen infrastructure between the Netherlands and Germany [5][9]. This collaboration could provide the Dutch network with crucial international connectivity, potentially compensating for domestic construction delays. Additionally, the Delta Rhine Corridor project continues to advance, with DRC West providing hydrogen and CO2 transport from Rotterdam via Moerdijk to Boxtel, while DRC Oost is expected to begin its project procedure by the end of 2025 [4]. The German success in meeting construction deadlines creates pressure on Dutch policymakers and energy companies to accelerate their hydrogen strategy implementation, as hydrogen produced with electricity from renewable sources remains crucial for the broader European energy transition [1].