Petrogas and Gasunie Explore Repurposing Pipelines for Green Hydrogen Transport

2025-03-17 green

Netherlands, Monday, 17 March 2025.
Petrogas and Gasunie are studying the feasibility of converting North Sea gas pipelines to transport green hydrogen. This initiative supports the Netherlands’ renewable energy efforts.

Strategic Partnership Launch

On March 13, 2025, Dutch energy infrastructure giant Gasunie and Petrogas Transportation B.V. announced their collaboration to investigate the repurposing of existing North Sea pipeline infrastructure [1][2]. The joint feasibility study specifically focuses on adapting Petrogas’s current pipeline network to transport green hydrogen, supporting the Netherlands’ ambitious offshore wind energy goals [3].

Demo 1 Project Integration

The initiative is closely tied to the Demo 1 project, a groundbreaking demonstration venture initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. This project aims to establish a 20 to 50 MW electrolysis plant for offshore green hydrogen production in the North Sea Canal area [2]. The repurposed pipeline infrastructure would serve as a crucial component in transporting the produced hydrogen to shore, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional power cables [2].

Technical and Environmental Considerations

Gasunie brings substantial expertise to the project, having demonstrated success with hydrogen transport through repurposed onshore pipelines [1]. However, the offshore application presents unique challenges requiring additional research [1]. The comprehensive study encompasses technical feasibility, legal frameworks, economic viability, and environmental impact assessments, with Gasunie collaborating with various international research partners and standardization committees [2].

Future Infrastructure Development

This initiative aligns with Gasunie’s broader transition from a traditional gas transmission company to a comprehensive energy infrastructure operator [4]. Through its subsidiary Hynetwork, Gasunie is developing a national hydrogen network in the Netherlands, scheduled for completion by 2033 [6]. The successful implementation of offshore hydrogen transport infrastructure would position the Netherlands as a key player in Europe’s emerging hydrogen economy, facilitating energy independence and improving the nation’s competitive position [2].

Bronnen

hydrogen transport pipeline infrastructure