Europe is going all-in on clean and carbon-neutral energy. And we’re helping to make it happen. Together with our partners, we’re building Europe’s first cross-border hydrogen infrastructure: a pipeline network connecting industries across Northwest Europe. This project lays the foundation for climate neutrality by 2050 and positions our port as Europe’s leading hydrogen hub.
Today, our port already holds the title of largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux, with an annual production and consumption of 600,000 tonnes of hydrogen. But most of that is still ‘grey’ hydrogen, made with natural gas — resulting in a heavy CO₂ footprint. If we truly want to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the industry must shift gears: to green hydrogen (produced from water and renewable electricity) and blue or low-carbon hydrogen (produced from natural gas with CO₂ capture).
So, what’s holding us back? There’s demand and supply for sustainable hydrogen, but the connecting infrastructure is missing. Without an extensive pipeline network, producers and users cannot reach each other, and the industry cannot make the switch. This infrastructure is the lifeline for a reliable supply and for our port’s journey towards a climate-neutral future.
Location, location, location. That’s our edge. We are strategically positioned along key pipeline corridors connecting Belgium (Zeebrugge–Antwerp) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam–Chemelot), with direct connections to Germany and France. With one cross-border network, we achieve three major goals at once:
Together with network operators HyNetwork (Netherlands) and Fluxys Hydrogen (Belgium), we are developing a state-of-the-art, cross-border hydrogen network running through the heart of our port. Think of this open-access network as an energy highway — one that connects everyone producing, supplying, or using clean hydrogen on both sides of the border.
We’re reusing existing natural gas pipelines and adding new ones where needed. The result? A robust hydrogen network linking our port area with the rest of Europe.
Every company, large or small, can access sustainable hydrogen to help decarbonise operations. The network is open to all businesses located near the route.
This network connects to national infrastructure in Belgium and the Netherlands and extends further into Europe. As Europe’s first cross-border hydrogen connection, it’s a real trailblazer — and the lessons learned will serve as a blueprint for other border regions across the continent.
This network is more than just a pipeline. It’s a powerful accelerator for sustainable growth — delivering tangible benefits for everyone.
Companies gain guaranteed access to sustainable hydrogen as both feedstock and fuel. This allows them to replace fossil energy and raw materials, meet their climate targets, and ensure that vital industrial activity in our port continues to grow sustainably.
Cleaner air, less noise and nitrogen, and healthier surroundings for local residents. The shift to sustainable energy secures long-term employment and added value for the region, while new industrial activity has ever less impact on the climate and environment.
This project puts our port at the heart of Europe’s hydrogen market. It strengthens energy security across Northwest Europe — proof that when we connect, we all move forward.
North Sea Port acts as both coordinator and connector in this pioneering project. We bring the right partners together and keep things moving forward. In close cooperation with Fluxys Hydrogen and HyNetwork (Gasunie) we make sure we get the hydrogen infrastructure built on schedule. Acting as the bridge between industries on both sides of the border, we make sure supply and demand meet. Together, we’re also securing government backing - local, regional, national and European. And just as important, we’re building public support, keeping our neighbours informed and involved. Because building infrastructure isn’t done with mere steel and technology, it needs trust, conversation, and a shared vision for the future.
Curious how the hydrogen network is coming together and what it means for our region?
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