Arcadis to plan €750mn Dutch hydrogen network

Netherlands-based global design and consultancy firm Arcadis is working on plans for the development of a high-pressure hydrogen network in the country, it announced on January 26.

Arcadis was hired by Dutch gas grid operator Gasunie to support the design of the national hydrogen network, which the Dutch government announced in June 2022 it would invest more than €750mn ($818mn) in developing.

The network will link five major industrial areas – Noord, IJmond, Rijnmond, Zeeland and Limburg – with a hydrogen storage facility in Zuidwending and neighbouring countries. It is estimated that 85% of the system will consist of repurposed existing natural gas pipelines.

Arcadis will produce a detailed environmental impact report to assist with the decision-making process, it said. This will include ecological and archaeological studies, as well as the consideration of health and safety and other factors.

Preparatory work is underway and the project is expected to take two to three years to complete, Arcadis said.

"By reusing existing infrastructure as much as possible, the impact on the environment remains limited," Arcadis said. "This hydrogen network is a relevant part of the energy transition for industry, and we are proud to be working with Gasunie on this crucial project."