Rotterdam Hydrogen Pipeline Filled, Marking Milestone for Dutch Network
The first section of the Dutch hydrogen network has been filled in Rotterdam, marking a key infrastructure milestone as Gasunie advances pipeline development to support industrial hydrogen demand in Europe.
(P&GJ) — The first major pipeline segment of the Dutch hydrogen network in Rotterdam has been filled with hydrogen, marking a key step toward bringing the system into operation. The 32-km (about 20-mile) pipeline was filled with approximately 32 tonnes of green hydrogen, according to network developer Gasunie.
The pipeline, developed by Gasunie subsidiary Hynetwork, links the Port of Rotterdam with industrial customers in the surrounding region and will ultimately connect into the Netherlands’ nationwide hydrogen network. The infrastructure is intended to support industrial decarbonization and form part of a broader hydrogen backbone across north-western Europe.
The Rotterdam pipeline is also expected to connect with the Delta Rhine Corridor, a planned route linking industrial hubs in the Netherlands with Germany and other parts of the European hydrogen market.
Filling operations were carried out in collaboration with several partners, including Plug Power Inc. Dutch hydrogen network manager Niels van Pagee said the operation involved tight timelines and complex logistics.
“It was quite a challenging process. Within a short time span and under a tight deadline, dozens of trailers carrying containers full of green hydrogen had to make their way from northern Germany to the Maasvlakte industrial area near Rotterdam, where we had set up a temporary filling site.”
Van Pagee said coordination among partners was critical to completing the work safely and efficiently.
“What really made the difference for me was the commitment and professionalism shown by all the teams involved. By maintaining an open dialogue, trusting each other and leveraging everyone’s expertise, we jointly put together a plan that we followed diligently. And it shows in the result: filling the pipeline went very smoothly and without any hiccups. I’m proud to have been part of this.”