Gasunie and Fluxys sign agreement for hydrogen connection between the Netherlands and Belgium

Hynetwork, a subsidiary of the Dutch Gasunie, and Fluxys hydrogen, a subsidiary of Fluxys Belgium have signed an agreement to jointly develop a cross-border hydrogen connection between the Netherlands and Belgium.

Where possible, this connection will make use of existing natural gas pipelines that will be converted for hydrogen transport. Both companies are aiming to realize this connection around 2030.

The border point near Zandvliet, between Zeeland and Antwerp, is being considered as the first strategic bidirectional link connecting key import and production locations with industrial clusters, including the North Sea Port and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as the ports of Antwerp and Ghent in Belgium. This connection supports the ambition to create an integrated, open, and accessible hydrogen transport network in Northwestern Europe, aimed at strengthening energy independence and decarbonizing industry. In addition, the agreement also allows for the development of additional border points.

Agreements for safe and reliable hydrogen transport

The agreement represents an important step toward further intensive cooperation. In the agreement, both companies align key technical and organizational aspects, including planning, location, capacity, and other specifications. Such agreements are necessary to ensure the safe and reliable cross-border transport of hydrogen.

This initiative between Hynetwork and Fluxys hydrogen can be seen as a strong signal to the international hydrogen market that the development of a cross-border hydrogen network is well underway.

Helmie Botter, Director of hydrogen transport at Gasunie:
“For a well-functioning hydrogen market in Northwestern Europe, cross-border trade and transport of hydrogen are essential. With this infrastructure, we enable hydrogen transport between the Netherlands and Belgium. We aim for an integrated hydrogen market. Thanks to strong cooperation between Gasunie and other network operators, we make cross-border transport as easy as possible, allowing industry in Europe to decarbonize. That is ultimately what we are doing this for.”

Ben De Waele, Director at Fluxys hydrogen:
“We are already building a multimolecule infrastructure between Zelzate and the port area of Antwerp. With this agreement, we are jointly providing for the development of a bidirectional hydrogen transport infrastructure between Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition, we are also working on pipeline infrastructure towards other neighboring countries to contribute to the development of a Northwestern European hydrogen network.”