Delta Rhine Corridor will continue with the zoning process, but construction will no longer proceed simultaneously
On June 27, the then-Minister for Climate and Energy briefed the House of Representatives on the status of the Delta Rhine Corridor project. Over the past year, technical studies have shown that it is not realistic to install all pipes and cables simultaneously. The pipelines and cables have different characteristics and require different installation techniques, which means they cannot be installed at the same time. This was one of the project’s original assumptions. It has also been determined that the hydrogen pipeline and the CO2 pipeline need to be operational sooner than the cables, since the wind farms (for which the cables are needed) will not be ready until later.
Assess all spatial aspects as a whole
The relevant ministers (Economic Affairs, the Interior, and Infrastructure and Water Management) have opted for a joint spatial integration process to ensure that sufficient consideration is given to each other’s needs when exploring potential locations for the pipelines and cables and during the planning phase. This also helps prevent spatial issues from arising during construction. Once the current Minister of Climate and Green Growth has selected a route for all modes of transport, all parties will begin their own permitting processes.
Schedule Postponed
The schedule has been pushed back by at least four years compared to the previously communicated project timeline. This means that the first mode (hydrogen) cannot be put into service before 2032, rather than the previously targeted date of 2028. Other modes (CO2, ammonia, and direct current) will follow later, but as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we know that the project organization must be restructured and strengthened so that, together with all stakeholders, we can navigate the spatial planning process effectively; we’ve also learned that in many places, the various pipes and cables do not fit within the corridor reserved for them. Solutions must be found for this, and the desired rapid completion date for the national hydrogen network conflicts with a comprehensive assessment of the spatial impacts of all pipes and cables in the DRC. Gasunie has been asked to explore an alternative route for hydrogen in parallel with the Delta Rhine Corridor route.
The delay in the project is also affecting the rollout of the national hydrogen network. More details regarding the exact impact on the rollout plan and the development of the hydrogen supply chain will be provided at a later date.
Maintaining Support in the Provinces
These developments and the decision were discussed by the then Minister of Climate and Energy with the three provinces involved. They expressed disappointment over the delay and the fact that simultaneous construction is not possible. However, they support the joint spatial planning procedure that the national government has now opted for. They also continue to emphasize the importance of the Delta Rhine Corridor. They have presented the minister with their priorities for maintaining public support in these provinces. The minister has responded positively and intends to work with the provinces to explore how to address these suggestions.