Gasunie, Open Grid Europe, and Thyssengas signed agreement to develop Netherlands-Germany hydrogen corridor, strengthening Europe’s clean energy infrastructure ambitions.
A major step toward building a European hydrogen economy has been taken as Dutch energy infrastructure company Gasunie joined forces with German transmission system operators Open Grid Europe and Thyssengas to establish a new cross-border hydrogen connection linking the Netherlands and Germany. The agreement, signed on 20 May, marks another milestone in Europe’s transition toward cleaner energy systems and the creation of an integrated hydrogen infrastructure network across North-West Europe.
The planned hydrogen corridor will connect Zevenaar in the Netherlands with Elten in Germany and is expected to become operational around 2031. The project aims to interlink the hydrogen networks of both countries while making maximum use of existing natural gas pipelines that can be converted for hydrogen transportation. By repurposing existing infrastructure, the partners intend to accelerate deployment timelines, lower costs, and support Europe’s broader decarbonization goals.
For Gasunie, the agreement represents its fourth cross-border hydrogen cooperation initiative involving Germany and Belgium, reflecting the company’s growing role in developing an interconnected European hydrogen backbone. The collaboration highlights the increasing urgency among European nations to strengthen energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels through clean hydrogen solutions.
The agreement was officially signed during the Hydrogen Milestone Ceremony held in Rotterdam in the presence of Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven. The ceremony also celebrated the completion of the first section of Gasunie’s Dutch hydrogen network, underscoring the rapid progress being made in hydrogen infrastructure development within the region.
Senior executives from all three companies participated in the signing event, including Hans Coenen, Chief Operating Officer of Gasunie, Thomas Hüwener, Chief Executive Officer of Open Grid Europe, and Dr. Stefanie Kesting, Chief Executive Officer of Thyssengas. Their participation emphasized the strong industrial and political commitment behind the initiative.
A key focus of the project is the Rhine-Ruhr region in Germany, one of Europe’s largest industrial and chemical production hubs. The Zevenaar-Elten border connection will serve as a strategic gateway linking German industrial consumers with hydrogen production facilities, storage locations, and import terminals located in the Netherlands. The corridor is expected to enable large-scale hydrogen supply to energy-intensive industries seeking low-carbon alternatives for manufacturing and processing operations.
According to the partners, the first phase of development will primarily target hydrogen connectivity for the Rhine-Ruhr industrial cluster. Future expansion plans include extending the network toward southern German industrial centers, including Ludwigshafen, which is home to significant chemical manufacturing operations. This phased approach is intended to gradually build a comprehensive hydrogen transportation network capable of supporting growing industrial demand across multiple regions.
The Delta Rhine Corridor is expected to play a crucial role within the broader strategy. Acting as the Dutch transport route between the Port of Rotterdam and Germany’s industrial hinterland, the corridor will facilitate efficient hydrogen movement between production, import, and consumption centers. Rotterdam, already one of Europe’s largest energy and logistics hubs, is positioning itself as a central gateway for imported and domestically produced green hydrogen.
The announcement also reflects a wider shift within Europe’s energy transition journey—from long-term planning and ambition toward concrete implementation and infrastructure deployment. The completion of initial hydrogen network sections and the establishment of cross-border transport agreements demonstrate increasing momentum behind the development of a continental hydrogen economy.
European policymakers and industry leaders view an integrated hydrogen system as essential for improving energy security, supporting industrial decarbonization, and building a resilient low-carbon energy future. By connecting national hydrogen grids and enabling international hydrogen trade, projects such as the Netherlands-Germany hydrogen corridor are expected to accelerate Europe’s transition toward climate-neutral industrial operations and a sustainable energy system.
