Hynetwork, Gasunie’s subsidiary responsible for developing the national hydrogen network in the Netherlands, has completed the first direct connection between a green hydrogen producer and the new national infrastructure. The operation, dubbed “golden weld,” links the Holland Hydrogen 1 plant, located at Rotterdam Maasvlakte and with a capacity of 200 MW, to the pipeline dedicated to the transport of this energy carrier.
This action marks a turning point in the Dutch energy strategy, as for the first time an operational connection is enabled between green hydrogen production and its large-scale distribution within the country.
The connection was made along a strategic corridor
The new 32-kilometer pipeline runs mostly parallel to the A15 motorway, along an energy corridor that also includes the CO₂ pipeline for the Porthos project. Over a 19-kilometer segment, both infrastructures are separated by just 40 centimeters, which required high-precision execution in dense, technically challenging subsoil.
Installation work was carried out by Hanab, with support from contractor Denys, highlighting the need to comply with strict safety standards and a schedule tailored to the Port of Rotterdam environment.
Key intercompany collaboration
Jan Willem Rongen, director of the Rotterdam Hydrogen Network project, highlighted the intense coordination among the different stakeholders involved.
We designed the projects to ensure that we interfered with each other as little as possible. The close collaboration between Hynetwork, Porthos, and their construction partners HANAB and Denys enabled us to align schedules, solve problems, and ensure everyone’s safety.
Jan Willem Rongen, director of the Rotterdam Hydrogen Network project.
The work was carried out without disrupting other existing infrastructure, a critical aspect in an area where dozens of pipelines, power cables, and industrial conduits intersect just a few meters underground.
Expansion and future outlook
In addition to the main pipeline section, two additional branches were installed to enable fast connection for future customers. This measure aims to accelerate network expansion, encouraging more producers and consumers to join the green hydrogen ecosystem.
Gasunie plans to continue expanding this national network with the goal of creating an integrated system that connects industrial clusters not only within the Netherlands, but also to international infrastructure in northwestern Europe.
Source: Hynetwork