Netherlands opens first 32-kilometer hydrogen pipeline from Maasvlakte to Pernis

The Netherlands on Wednesday completed the first segment of its national hydrogen network, a 32-kilometer pipeline running from Maasvlakte to Pernis, an industrial hub where major refining activity is concentrated, according to Gasunie, which is building and operating the Dutch hydrogen network. The pipeline was formally opened during an event at the Schiecentrale, attended by King Willem-Alexander, climate minister Stientje van Veldhoven (D66), and Gasunie chief executive Willemien Terpstra.

Commercial hydrogen flow through the initial pipeline segment will not start until late this year, when Shell brings a hydrogen production facility online. Shell will initially use the hydrogen internally for oil refining, and other companies will connect later.

The full backbone is planned to expand to about 1,200 kilometers, much of it by repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure. It is designed primarily for industrial users seeking to reduce carbon emissions. Eventually, the system is expected to connect with Germany.

Van Veldhoven called the project a “historical milestone," saying it positions the Netherlands “in the heart of Europe’s clean energy system.”

Despite the milestone, significant uncertainty surrounds the project’s long-term viability. The Dutch Court of Audit warned in December that large portions of the system may never be fully realized due to a “chicken-and-egg” problem: hydrogen infrastructure requires industrial demand, while industry investment depends on the infrastructure being in place.

The government intends to subsidize Gasunie to cover potential losses once it builds the network. However, the Court of Audit said the subsidy was already too low, estimating that 2.5 billion euros in loss compensation may be needed—more than three times the current budget allocation.