Hynetwork (Gasunie) opens North Sea Canal Area hydrogen network draft for public review
- Public review of the draft project decision, EIA and permits runs 18 September–29 October 2026.
- Planned route passes through Beverwijk, Velsen, Zaanstad, Haarlemmermeer and Amsterdam.
- Existing natural gas pipelines will be repurposed where possible; new pipelines and installations will be constructed where repurposing is not feasible.
- Network will link local industry to national clusters, hydrogen storage and international hydrogen infrastructure to support industrial decarbonisation.
Public review
Hynetwork, a Gasunie subsidiary, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy have published the draft project decision, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and draft permits for the North Sea Canal Area Hydrogen Network for public inspection from 18 September through 29 October 2026. Stakeholders may review the documents and submit comments during this period.
Route and construction
The planned network runs through the municipalities of Beverwijk, Velsen, Zaanstad, Haarlemmermeer and Amsterdam. Wherever possible existing natural gas pipelines will be repurposed; where repurposing is not feasible new pipelines and installations will be built.
Connections and purpose
The North Sea Canal Area Hydrogen Network will form part of the future national hydrogen network, providing industrial companies in the region access to hydrogen as a fuel and feedstock. It will also connect to other Dutch industrial clusters, hydrogen storage facilities and international hydrogen infrastructure to broaden market access and support decarbonisation of processes that cannot be fully electrified.
Public information
Two walk-in information sessions are scheduled: 28 September 2026, 19:00–21:00 at FC Velsenoord Clubhouse, Velsen-Noord; and 30 September 2026, 19:00–21:00 at Ruigoord Church, Amsterdam. Project documents and further information are available on the project webpages.
Source: Gasunie