Gasunie, Thyssengas and Gasunie Deutschland partner to develop cross-border hydrogen pipelines, enabling integrated, secure hydrogen transport across north-western Europe.
Gasunie in the Netherlands, together with Thyssengas H2 and Gasunie Deutschland, has taken a significant step toward establishing a large-scale, cross-border hydrogen transportation system linking the Dutch and German energy markets. The three transmission system operators (TSOs) have formally signed cooperation agreements that set out the framework for jointly developing hydrogen transport infrastructure between the two countries, with a strong emphasis on repurposing existing natural gas pipelines wherever technically and economically feasible.
This collaborative initiative is designed to accelerate the emergence of a reliable hydrogen backbone in north-western Europe. By converting and upgrading current gas infrastructure rather than building entirely new pipelines, the partners aim to reduce costs, shorten development timelines, and minimize environmental disruption. The network will play a crucial role in supporting the energy transition by enabling the large-scale movement of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen across borders.
Two strategic border points have been identified as the initial connection hubs: Oude Statenzijl in the Dutch province of Groningen and Vlieghuis in the province of Drenthe. These locations will serve as key gateways linking Dutch industrial clusters, hydrogen import routes, storage facilities, and domestic production sites with Germany’s major industrial regions, particularly the Ruhr area. Beyond Germany, the planned infrastructure is also expected to strengthen connectivity with the wider north-western European hydrogen market, creating new pathways for regional energy cooperation.
The signed agreements go beyond a simple statement of intent. They define a broad range of technical and organizational parameters essential for safe and efficient hydrogen transport. These include timelines for development, precise pipeline routes and locations, expected transport capacities, operating pressures, safety standards, and coordination mechanisms between the TSOs. By aligning these details at an early stage, the partners aim to ensure seamless cross-border operations and regulatory compatibility, reducing future bottlenecks as hydrogen demand grows.
According to the companies involved, this agreement represents a foundational step toward establishing multiple hydrogen interconnections between the Netherlands and Germany over the coming years. Such links are considered vital for balancing supply and demand, improving security of supply, and enabling industrial decarbonization across borders. As hydrogen production is expected to be unevenly distributed—depending on access to renewable energy, import terminals, and storage—cross-border transport infrastructure will be essential for market efficiency.
Helmie Botter, Director of Hydrogen Transport at Gasunie, emphasized the strategic importance of international cooperation in building a functioning hydrogen economy. She noted that cross-border hydrogen trade and transportation are indispensable for the development of a robust hydrogen market in north-western Europe. According to Botter, the agreements not only facilitate hydrogen flows between the Netherlands and Germany, including the Ruhr industrial region, but also strengthen connections extending to Denmark.
The partners share a broader ambition of creating an integrated European hydrogen market in which transport across national borders is as straightforward and reliable as possible. Close collaboration between TSOs, harmonized technical standards, and coordinated planning are seen as critical success factors. By working together now, Gasunie, Thyssengas H2, and Gasunie Deutschland aim to lay the groundwork for a future-proof hydrogen network that supports climate goals, industrial competitiveness, and long-term energy security across the region.
