Fluxys and Gasunie are collaborating on a cross-border hydrogen connection

Picture: Raphaël De Winter, Willemien Terpstra, Pascal De Buck en Hans Coenen 

Gasunie and Fluxys hydrogen have signed an agreement to jointly develop cross-border hydrogen connections between the Netherlands and Belgium. Through this partnership, both infrastructure operators are continuing to work on the expansion of transport infrastructure for hydrogen and other molecules in north-western Europe. Both Gasunie and Fluxys are partners within Smart Delta Resources.
 

Infrastructure as an essential prerequisite

The planned connection will enable hydrogen to be transported safely and reliably across the border. Where feasible, existing natural gas infrastructure will be repurposed and converted for this purpose. Both parties anticipate that the first connection will be completed by the end of 2030, subject to further technical, organisational and regulatory steps.

For various industrial applications, there are currently no fully emission-free alternatives available on a large scale. In the North Sea Port region, this includes processes such as steel production, basic chemical production, refining and applications that require high-temperature heat. In this context, hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are being investigated as components of broader transition strategies to reduce emissions from existing industrial processes. Without adapted infrastructure, neither option can be deployed on an industrial scale.
 

The North Sea Port region as a hub in the future hydrogen network 

A border location near Zandvliet, between Zeeland and the Antwerp port area, is being investigated as the first strategic connection point.
Through the further expansion and interconnection of Belgian and Dutch backbone infrastructure, other industrial clusters can then also be connected, such as North Sea Port (the Ghent port area and Zelzate), in addition to the port of Antwerp and the Port of Rotterdam.

This location underscores the importance of the Smart Delta Resources region as a vital link between industry, ports and international energy flows. Industrial value chains and infrastructure extend across national borders here, making cooperation between network operators essential.
 

Greater flexibility thanks to two-way transport

The planned connection will enable hydrogen to be transported both from the Netherlands to Belgium and vice versa, depending on availability and demand. This flexibility is important for giving industrial users access to various sources, such as imports, future production or storage, and for better aligning the energy system with changing market conditions.

The agreement also provides scope for developing additional cross-border connections in the future and further refining the network.
 

Building on key initiatives in the North Sea Port region

The partnership between Gasunie and Fluxys builds on existing backbone initiatives in our region, such as the multi-purpose infrastructure that Fluxys is developing between Zelzate and the Port of Antwerp. These pipelines are designed for both hydrogen and CO₂-transport and form the basis for cross-border connections with the Netherlands and other neighbouring countries.

For Smart Delta Resources, this development confirms the importance of aligning infrastructure planning with industrial needs in a region where energy and raw material flows transcend national borders.

Press release Fluxys
Video agreement Fluxys hydrogen and Gasunie Hynetwork