Hynetwork, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Gasunie, and its Belgian counterpart Fluxys have embarked on a quest for a cross-border hydrogen connection, enabling the Netherlands and Belgium to plug into shared lower-emission power.
With the aim of interconnecting the Dutch and Belgian hydrogen infrastructure, Gasunie and Fluxys have signed a joint development agreement (JDA). This cross-border hydrogen connection between the Netherlands and Belgium will be developed, where possible, using existing natural gas pipelines repurposed for hydrogen transmission.
The two players aim to complete this connection by around 2030. The border point near Zandvliet, between the Dutch province of Zeeland and the Belgian province of Antwerp, is being considered as the first strategic bidirectional node connecting key import and production sites to industrial clusters, including the North Sea Port and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the ports of Antwerp and Ghent in Belgium.
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Helmie Botter , Gasunie’s Hydrogen Transport Director, commented: “Cross-border hydrogen trade and transport is crucial for a properly functioning hydrogen market in north-western Europe. With this infrastructure, we’re enabling hydrogen transport between the Netherlands and Belgium. Our goal is an integrated hydrogen market.
“Through close collaboration between Gasunie and other transmission system operators, we’re making cross-border transport as easy as possible, empowering industry across Europe to go sustainable. That’s ultimately what we’re working towards.”
The cross-border hydrogen link is anticipated to help realize the ambition to create an integrated, open, and accessible hydrogen transmission network in north-western Europe to bolster energy independence and decarbonize industry. The deal between the two companies also allows scope to develop additional border points.
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The JDA is perceived to mark a significant step towards closer collaboration, as the two firms have agreed on key technical and organizational matters, including planning, location, capacity, and other specifications. Deals such as this one are said to be needed to enable the transport of hydrogen safely and reliably across the border.
Ben de Waele , Director of Fluxys hydrogen, noted: “We are currently already building multi-molecule infrastructure between the town of Zelzate and Antwerp’s port area.
“Under this agreement, we’re joining forces to develop bidirectional hydrogen transport infrastructure between Belgium and the Netherlands. We are also working on pipeline infrastructure to connect other neighbouring countries and thus help expand the hydrogen network across north-western Europe.”
The joint initiative by Hynetwork and Fluxys is interpreted to send a powerful signal to the international hydrogen market, which emphasizes that the development of a cross-border hydrogen network is in full swing.