Gasunie – First stretch of hydrogen network filled with green hydrogen – 32km-long pipeline in the Netherlands

The first major segment of the Dutch hydrogen network in Rotterdam has now been charged with hydrogen, marking an important milestone in the rollout of infrastructure that is set to form the backbone of the hydrogen market in Rotterdam, across the Netherlands, and eventually throughout Europe. In total, 32 tonnes of green hydrogen were used to fill the 32-kilometre pipeline.

Hynetwork, a subsidiary of Gasunie, is responsible for developing and constructing the Netherlands’ national hydrogen transmission system. The Rotterdam pipeline creates a vital connection between the port area and nearby industrial users and will later integrate into the broader Dutch hydrogen network. The planned Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC) will further link Rotterdam with industrial regions across the Netherlands as well as Germany and the wider north-western European hydrogen system, supporting large-scale industrial decarbonisation and strengthening Europe’s energy security.

The pipeline filling was carried out in collaboration with Plug Power Inc. According to Dutch hydrogen network manager Niels van Pagee, the operation was complex and demanding. Within a limited timeframe and under strict deadlines, dozens of trailers transporting containers of green hydrogen had to travel from northern Germany to the Maasvlakte industrial zone near Rotterdam, where a temporary filling facility had been established.