The 52km pipeline network between Vlieghuis in the Netherlands and Ochtrup in Germany will form part of the wider Northwest European hydrogen backbone to connect production centres and import terminals with industrial regions.

It will connect the 9,000km German hydrogen core network with the Dutch province of Zeeland, and the ports of Amsterdam, Eemshaven, and Rotterdam.

Work commenced at a midpoint in the network near the border in Hoogstede, with plans to have the system ready to handle 100% hydrogen by 2027.

Pipeline conversion requires modifications, including valve and compressor component replacements, and contaminant removal. However, some warn that re-purposing natural gas pipelines could be an extensive and risky undertaking.

A 2024 paper highlighted concerns about hydrogen embrittlement in steel pipelines, which can weaken structures and increase the potential of risks.

However, Thyssengas said during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, visitors learned about “multi-stage safety procedures and 24/7 monitoring that play a key role in the transition to hydrogen-powered operations.”

Thyssengas currently operates around 4,400km of natural gas pipeline – mainly in North Rhine-Westphalia.

This segment comes as the first in the operator’s wider hydrogen ambitions, as it plans to undertake 20 new-build and conversion projects to establish over 1,100km of hydrogen pipelines.

“We will bring hydrogen to where it is needed – to industry, power plants, and distribution network operators,” said Thyssengass Chief Commercial Officer Dr Thomas Becker. “And not just to customers directly on the network, but also in adjacent regions.”