First Dutch-German Hydrogen Link Set to Get Underway

Gasunie and Thyssengas have established a formal basis for cross-border hydrogen transport between the Netherlands and Germany for the first time. In mid December, the gas network operators signed a so-called Joint Development Agreement as a preliminary step toward a network interconnection agreement.

The planned infrastructure is to consist largely of existing natural gas pipelines that will be converted for hydrogen transport, enabling cross-border transmission between the Netherlands and Germany. Via border points at Oude Statenzijl (Groningen) and Vlieghuis (Drenthe), a strategic corridor is to be created linking Dutch industrial areas, ports, as well as storage and production facilities directly with industrial demand centers in Germany, particularly in the Ruhr region and the Rhineland.

A core element of the project is the integration of the existing Thyssengas pipeline from Vlieghuis to Ochtrup in the Münsterland region, the conversion of which began in summer 2025. This connection is also part of Germany’s hydrogen core network and the GET H2 initiative.

With the Joint Development Agreement, the partners are laying the technical and organizational foundations for safe and reliable cross-border hydrogen transport. The aim is to supply initial industrial offtakers and to establish the basis for further cross-border hydrogen connections in Northwestern Europe.

According to the companies, cross-border hydrogen transport is seen as a key building block for the development of an integrated hydrogen market in Northwestern Europe. The initiative is intended not only to strengthen supply between the Netherlands and Germany, but also to open up prospects for further cooperation.