Renewable

June 30 (Renewables Now) - Dutch energy network company Gasunie said on Wednesday it will develop, build and operate a national transport network for hydrogen in the coming years.

Gasunie will first be in charge of the development, recycling existing natural gas pipelines to establish around 85% of the new network, and then assume the role of a transmission system operator (TSO). It will engage in the storage and import of hydrogen.

Moreover, the Netherlands’ Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten, will look into whether Gasunie can also fulfil the role of grid operator at sea, given the expected growth in offshore hydrogen production in the North Sea.

The company said that in the coming years, the hydrogen network will connect seaports with large industrial clusters in the Netherlands, as well as with storage locations. In addition, the project includes the execution of connections with Germany and Belgium.

“Gasunie is very positive about the hydrogen plans announced today by Minister Jetten. We believe that hydrogen will play a major role as the energy carrier of the future. We now start the construction of the public hydrogen network in the Netherlands, which will be a great boost for the transition towards a more sustainable energy system," said CEO Han Fennema.

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