The cabinet wants Gasunie to convert the existing gas pipeline network into a hydrogen network. Hydrogen is a gas that can be converted to electricity without CO2 emissions. The intention is that, in the first instance, heavy industry will be able to produce in a more climate-neutral way.
VVD State Secretary Yesilgöz of Economic Affairs, who is responsible for climate policy, says that this step is necessary to maintain the industry in the Netherlands and at the same time achieve the climate goals. In this way, employment in the large industrial companies is maintained.
“The gas pipeline system that we have in our country is unique. It is an intricate system that we can convert for hydrogen,” says the State Secretary. “It would be a shame not to use those gas pipes.” She is referring to the transition from gas to sustainable energy, which would eventually make the gas pipeline network redundant.
Gasunie speaks of a historic decision. “It is important for us to start transporting this new energy, but it is even more important for society,” says Han Fennema of Gasunie. “We can start transporting energy that helps us achieve the climate ambitions in the Netherlands, Europe and the world.”
About 85 percent of the existing pipelines can be reused for hydrogen.
‘Safe and affordable’
In this first step, the cabinet has opted for pipeline manager Gasunie because the company has a great deal of knowledge and experience and can handle the conversion of the existing network. This makes it safe and affordable, says Yesilgöz. In the long term, other market parties are not excluded. “Companies that are now working with fossil fuels also see that something is going to change.”
GroenLinks agrees with the cabinet. “We have the advantage of an existing gas network and of the North Sea for wind farms,” says MP Van der Lee. “Hydrogen is made by running electricity through water. That electricity must then be generated cleanly. Other European countries are investing billions more in it.”
From offshore wind farms to the production of green hydrogen, to transport via the existing pipeline network:
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