Preferred Route for the Southwest Netherlands Hydrogen Network Finalized

The preferred route for the hydrogen network in the southwestern Netherlands was finalized on June 10 by the State Secretary for Climate and Green Growth. This route is also known as the Preferred Alternative. With this decision, the route is provisionally set, bringing the construction of the network one step closer. The preferred route runs from Moerdijk to the Belgian border near Zelzate and Antwerp, branching off halfway to Vlissingen. The network will become part of the national network that Hynetwork plans to build in the coming years for the transport of hydrogen.

Hynetwork Services B.V., a subsidiary of Gasunie, plans to build a nationwide hydrogen network. The connection through the southwestern Netherlands is part of that network. The network connects industrial areas and ports in Zeeland to the port of Moerdijk and to the Belgian hydrogen network. Thanks to this network, industrial companies will be able to use hydrogen instead of natural gas, which will help them become more sustainable.

What does the preferred route look like?

The preferred route runs through several municipalities in Zeeland and West Brabant. Hynetwork plans to adapt an existing natural gas pipeline between Zelzate and Moerdijk for hydrogen. Between Woensdrecht and Vlissingen, Hynetwork plans to construct a new pipeline. The map shows which pipeline already exists and where Hynetwork plans to construct a new one. There will be valve stations along the route. These are above-ground facilities where Hynetwork can safely regulate the underground gas flow. These locations will also allow for network maintenance and future expansion.

Why was this route chosen?

In constructing the network, Hynetwork intends to reuse as many existing (natural gas) pipelines as possible. In addition, research has shown that this route is suitable. No recommendations or comments were submitted that would have required a change to the route. The public had the opportunity to comment on the proposed route from November 7 to December 18, 2025. The EIA Commission and local officials have since reviewed the route as well. This review did not result in any changes. However, some comments, such as those from the EIA Commission, did identify points for further investigation in the next project phase. You can read how the comments were addressed in the Response Memorandum on the RvO website.

Why is this route called the preferred alternative?

The selected preferred route for the hydrogen network is officially called the “preferred alternative.” This is the official name for the preferred route or preferred location of projects that follow the project procedure. This procedure is mandatory for projects that have a significant impact on the environment and meet certain requirements. For this project, one route was evaluated. Hynetwork will continue to work with this preferred route.

What happens next?

With the selection of a preferred route, a new phase of the project begins: the detailed planning phase, also known as Phase 2. In this phase, Hynetwork will further develop the route. In addition, Hynetwork will commission even more extensive studies to assess the impact of the preferred route on nature and the surrounding environment. The draft project decision and draft permits will also be prepared. These documents are expected to be published by the end of 2027. Anyone can then respond by submitting comments. This date will be announced in the Government Gazette, local newspapers, the Hynetwork newsletter, and on the Hydrogen Network webpage.

Would you like to know more?

More information about the project procedure and all documents can be found on the RvO Hydrogen Network website. More information about the project itself is available on the Hynetwork website. You can also sign up for the Hynetwork newsletter there. Do you have any questions? If so, please call the Energy Projects Office at 088 042 47 47 on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.