North Sea Port has signed an agreement with the energy network operator Gasunie to develop a regional transport network for hydrogen in the Dutch province, Zeeland, called ‘Hydrogen Delta Network NL’.
Simultaneously with the development of the Zeeland hydrogen network, North Sea Port is developing a similar regional network in Belgium together with gas transport company Fluxys and the steel producer ArcelorMittal, which is projected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The ‘Hydrogen Delta Network NL’ will be constructed by Gasunie on the region’s existing position for hydrogen and after its completion, it is expected to be connected with the Dutch and Belgian hydrogen infrastructure in 2027.
Many companies in Zeeland are taking measures towards the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050, with hydrogen being an essential component in this effort.
Hydrogen is not new to the maritime province of Zeeland as its industrial cluster currently accounts for 35% of the demand for hydrogen in the Netherlands, producing approximately 520,000 tons per year.
In order to achieve a regional hydrogen infrastructure, the market needs to develop additional activities such as electrolysis, using sustainably generated electricity to produce hydrogen without CO2 emissions mainly from wind, according to a statement.
In addition to the development of large-scale electrolysis projects that have already been announced in Zeeland, the region also offers opportunities for importing hydrogen through the North Sea Port area.
Developments in the supply and demand for hydrogen in Zeeland are concentrated in the industrial sector in Vlissingen, which accounts for most of the supply, and in the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal Zone, where the main consumers of hydrogen are located.
