Dutch Region Sidesteps National Government to Import Hydrogen Directly from Germany
Enschede, Thursday, 7 May 2026.
The Twente region has secured a direct hydrogen connection to Germany’s network after 1.5 years of national government delays, completing negotiations in just three months. This groundbreaking cross-border energy deal will deliver hydrogen by 2027 at €300,000 cost versus €1-2 million through Dutch infrastructure, arriving 15 years ahead of national plans.
Regional Frustration Drives Cross-Border Innovation
The ambitious hydrogen import project emerged from deep frustration with national bureaucracy. Tijs de Bree, deputy for energy transition in Overijssel province, revealed that Dutch authorities had been deliberating for 1.5 years without providing clarity on when Twente could connect to the national hydrogen network or what steps were required [1][2]. “In Nederland werd er al 1,5 jaar vergaderd, zonder dat we antwoord kregen op de vraag wanneer kunnen we worden aangesloten op het waterstof-netwerk en wat we daarvoor moeten doen,” de Bree explained [2]. Faced with this impasse, provincial officials approached German partners directly, asking whether they could install a T-junction connection to the German hydrogen pipeline to serve Twente [1][2].
Swift German Partnership Delivers Results
The contrast in negotiation speed proved striking. While Dutch discussions dragged on for 18 months, a deal with German suppliers materialized within just three months [1][2]. The technical solution involves connecting to the German hydrogen grid near Nordhorn through a T-junction linked to an existing Cogas gas pipeline at Denekamp [1]. Cogas, the regional gas distribution company, has signed a contract with German pipeline operator Thyssengas for construction of the tap-off point, with financial backing from Overijssel province through subsidies [1]. This partnership demonstrates how cross-border energy cooperation can bypass national bottlenecks when regional authorities take initiative.
Dramatic Cost and Timeline Advantages
The financial benefits of the German route are substantial. The cross-border connection is estimated to cost approximately €300,000, compared to €1-2 million for connecting through the Dutch national network [1][2]. This represents a cost reduction of roughly 80% when comparing to the upper estimate [alert! ‘calculation based on midpoint of €1-2 million range’]. More importantly, the timeline acceleration is remarkable - the German connection will be completed by the end of 2027, with first hydrogen deliveries to Twente businesses planned before 2030 [1]. Without this alternative, de Bree indicated the region would have waited until 2040 for national network access, representing a 15-year acceleration [2][4].
Industrial Applications Drive Hydrogen Demand
The urgency for hydrogen access stems from specific industrial requirements that cannot be met through electrification alone [GPT]. Bolletje bakery in Almelo exemplifies this need, baking 50,000 rolls of crispbread daily at temperatures exceeding 200°C [1]. The company produces 250,000 rolls weekly and requires hydrogen to replace natural gas in its high-temperature ovens [2]. Such industrial processes, which demand extreme heat, represent applications where hydrogen becomes indispensable as companies transition away from fossil fuels. Additionally, electricity grid limitations make hydrogen a necessity for heavy industry in areas where electrical networks are already overloaded [1].
Safety Infrastructure and Training Preparations
Recognizing hydrogen’s unique safety challenges, Twente is establishing comprehensive training facilities. The Twente Safety Campus in Enschede is opening HyField, a specialized hydrogen testing and training facility on Technology Base Twente [1]. This infrastructure addresses critical safety concerns, as hydrogen molecules are smaller than natural gas molecules and escape more easily at pipe joints, while hydrogen flames are nearly invisible in daylight [1]. Emergency services and companies require specialized training to handle hydrogen safely, given its more explosive nature compared to conventional energy sources [2]. The safety campus will prepare the region’s workforce for hydrogen’s unique handling requirements as the fuel becomes operational.
Broader Consortium Support and Future Model
The project benefits from extensive regional and international backing through a Twente-German consortium [1]. Dutch participants include municipalities such as Enschede, Almelo, Hengelo, and Oldenzaal, alongside organizations like Oost NL, TECHLAND, H2HUB Twente, Twente Board, and Energiestrategie Twente [1]. German partners include Thyssengas and Cogas, creating a truly cross-border collaboration [1]. This “Twente model” emphasizes cross-border regional cooperation and infrastructure reuse, potentially serving as a blueprint for other Dutch regions seeking to accelerate their green energy transition [1]. De Bree emphasized on LinkedIn that this initiative demonstrates how regional determination and international partnerships can accelerate the energy transition when national progress stalls [4].