The first major pipeline section of the Dutch hydrogen network in Rotterdam has been filled with hydrogen, marking a significant milestone in the development of the infrastructure that will soon make up the backbone of the hydrogen market in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and ultimately the whole of Europe. A total of 32 tons of green hydrogen was supplied to fill the 32km-long pipeline.

A crucial link in north-western Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure. Gasunie subsidiary Hynetwork is developing and building the Netherlands’ nationwide hydrogen network. The pipeline in Rotterdam establishes a crucial link between the city’s port and industrial customers in the surrounding region and will be connected to the Dutch hydrogen network. The Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC) will connect Rotterdam to industry further afield in the Netherlands, but also to Germany and broader hydrogen infrastructure across north-western Europe, laying the foundation for widespread industrial decarbonisation and greater European energy security.

The filling operations were performed in partnership with Plug Power Inc. Dutch hydrogen network manager Niels van Pagee: ‘It was quite a challenging process. Within a short time span and under a tight deadline, dozens of trailers carrying containers full of green hydrogen had to make their way from northern Germany to the Maasvlakte industrial area near Rotterdam, where we had set up a temporary filling site.’

This project shows just how important it is to have specialist partners on board to be able to safely and efficiently build the required infrastructure. For Gasunie, collaboration with partners is a key building block in developing the Dutch and European hydrogen network.

“What really made the difference for me was the commitment and professionalism shown by all the teams involved. By maintaining an open dialogue, trusting each other and leveraging everyone’s expertise, we jointly put together a plan that we followed diligently. And it shows in the result: filling the pipeline went very smoothly and without any hiccups. I’m proud to have been part of this.”