Netherlands Begins Building Europe's First National Hydrogen Pipeline Network
Netherlands, Sunday, 4 January 2026.
King Willem-Alexander has officially launched construction of the Netherlands’ groundbreaking hydrogen infrastructure, positioning the country as Europe’s energy hub. This marks a pivotal moment in renewable energy transition, as the network will store and distribute clean energy from solar and wind sources. The ambitious project supports industrial decarbonization efforts across multiple regions, with the first operational section planned for Rotterdam in 2026. The infrastructure will connect industrial clusters along the Dutch North Sea coast by 2030, utilizing converted natural gas pipelines where possible to reduce costs and construction time.
Royal Endorsement Marks Historic Construction Launch
On October 27, 2023, King Willem-Alexander marked the start of construction of Gasunie’s national hydrogen network, setting in motion what would become the Netherlands’ most ambitious energy infrastructure project [1]. The ceremonial launch represented more than symbolic support; it signaled the Dutch government’s commitment to transforming the country into Europe’s hydrogen hub. This royal endorsement came as the project reached a critical milestone in mid-August 2024, when the first 32 kilometers of the national hydrogen network were laid in the Rotterdam port area [1]. The completion of these initial pipeline sections, marked by the welding together of the final segments, demonstrated the technical feasibility of converting existing natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen transport [1].
Strategic Infrastructure Development Under Gasunie Leadership
Hynetwork, a 100% subsidiary of Gasunie, is spearheading the creation of the national hydrogen network across the Netherlands [1]. The company has assumed the role of Transmission System Operator (TSO), positioning itself as the central coordinator for hydrogen distribution throughout the country [1]. Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten announced new plans for the construction of this national transport network, emphasizing its role in connecting industrial regions and making the Netherlands the hydrogen port of Europe [1]. The strategic approach prioritizes the reuse of existing pipelines where possible, leveraging decades of natural gas infrastructure investment to accelerate deployment and reduce costs [1]. A converted natural gas pipeline for hydrogen transport has already been successfully operating for three years in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, providing proof of concept for the broader network expansion [1].
Ambitious Timeline and Regional Expansion Plans
The hydrogen network’s rollout follows a carefully orchestrated timeline designed to connect major industrial clusters across the Netherlands. The first part of the national hydrogen network will become operational in Rotterdam in 2026, serving as the foundational hub for nationwide expansion [1]. By 2030, hydrogen transmission infrastructure will become available within various industrial clusters along the Dutch North Sea coast, creating a comprehensive energy distribution system [1]. Between 2031 and 2033, the network will extend across the industrial cluster in Limburg, with all clusters connected through the Delta Rhine Corridor [1]. In 2025, project procedures began for Waterstofnetwerk Oost-Nederland and West-Nederland, while the Delta Rhine Corridor restarted with a new plan and research strategy published in September 2025 [2]. The preferred route for Waterstofnetwerk Groningen and Drenthe Overijssel was determined in 2025, with the Voorbereidingsbesluit taken to reserve the route for 1.5 years [2].
Industrial Decarbonization and Economic Impact
The hydrogen network addresses a critical environmental challenge, as industry in the Netherlands is responsible for approximately 25% of national CO2 emissions [1]. This infrastructure development supports the country’s broader decarbonization strategy by providing clean energy alternatives to carbon-intensive industrial processes. The economic implications extend beyond environmental benefits, with the construction of the national hydrogen network requiring billions of euros in investment, with costs more than doubling to 3.8 billion euros [3]. Hundreds of millions of euros in subsidies have been allocated to eleven hydrogen companies, demonstrating the government’s financial commitment to the sector [3]. However, the project faces challenges, as the Dutch Court of Audit has criticized the EU’s hydrogen policy, stating that the goals are unattainable and require a reality check [3]. Construction of hydrogen factories is also experiencing delays, highlighting the complex coordination required for this transformative infrastructure project [3].