The SDR region is becoming a strategic CO₂ and hydrogen corridor: Fluxys is building a Belgian backbone for tomorrow's industry

The Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Delta region is developing into a strategic hub for hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure in North-West Europe. This infrastructure is an essential condition for competitiveness, cross-border cooperation and industrial transition.

Fluxys Belgium plays a key role in this as the network operator for gas and the designated operator for hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure. By constructing new multi-molecule connections, Fluxys is building the backbone on the Belgian side, connecting to the infrastructure being developed in the Netherlands and Germany.

These works are crucial for the industrial cluster around North Sea Port. Without robust transport networks, there can be no industrial transition, no economies of scale and no cross-border integration.

Multi-molecule connection between Zeebrugge, Ghent and Antwerp

Fluxys is currently constructing several connections linking the Belgian coast, the Ghent canal zone and the Antwerp port area.

Antwerp – Ghent (E34-corridor)
In 2025, work commenced on a 38-kilometre high-pressure pipeline between the port areas of Ghent and Antwerp. The pipeline is fully multi-molecule, making it suitable for natural gas, hydrogen and CO₂. Completion is scheduled for mid-2027.

Zeebrugge – Ghent (Knokke–Evergem)
Fluxys is also constructing a 48-kilometre connection between Knokke and Evergem. This pipeline will strengthen the connection between the Zeebrugge region and the Ghent port area and can also be used for multiple molecules. The works will be completed in the third quarter of 2026.

The Antwerp port area
A 25-kilometre-long multi-molecule pipeline network is being constructed in the Antwerp port area, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

Together, these projects form the first building blocks of an integrated backbone for hydrogen and CO₂ transport in Belgium. Further expansion will take place in phases, depending on specific connection requests from industrial users.

Carbon Network Operator

In 2025, Fluxys c-grid was appointed Carbon Network Operator (CNO) by both the Flemish and Walloon governments. This makes Fluxys responsible for developing regional CO₂ transport networks and connecting them to international infrastructure.

The aim is to collect industrial CO₂ and transport it to permanent storage locations, including in the North Sea. Active work is being done on:
•    connection to the Antwerp@C project
•    export via Zeebrugge to offshore storage
•    connections with the Netherlands
•    coordination with German network development
The intended capacity of the CO₂ network is 30 million tonnes per year.

Hydrogen Network Operator

In 2024, Fluxys Hydrogen, a subsidiary of Fluxys Belgium, was appointed Hydrogen Network Operator (HNO) by the federal government.

The task: to develop a hydrogen transport network in Belgium, in close coordination with network operators in the Netherlands and Germany. This will not only meet the future needs of Belgian industry, but also provide cross-border connections. The intended capacity of the network is 30 TWh of hydrogen transport per year.

Strategic significance for the Smart Delta Resources region

The region is developing into a strategic corridor connecting industry, energy and offshore storage.

For the industrial cluster in our region, this means:
•    access to large-scale hydrogen and CO₂ transport
•    access to CO₂ storage in the North Sea
•    strengthened links between Flanders, the Netherlands and Germany
•    better positioning within European energy and raw materials corridors

Key data:

CO₂
•    Targeted transport capacity: 30 million tonnes per year
•    Development of cross-border connections with the Netherlands and Germany
•    Export opportunities via Zeebrugge and connection to Antwerp@C

Hydrogen
•    Target capacity: 30 TWh per year
•    First backbone routes operational from 2026
•    Pipe diameters: 600 mm to 1000 mm
•    Operating pressure: 84 bar

Regional infrastructure (under construction)
• Antwerp: 25 km (600 mm, 84 bar) – ready by the end of 2026
• Ghent–Antwerp: 38 km (600 mm, 84 bar) – ready mid-2027
• Knokke–Evergem: 48 km (1000 mm, 84 bar) – ready Q3 2026