To accelerate the sustainability of the industry and avoid further delay of the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC), the Dutch government has decided to prioritise hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure. This decision is to contribute to the timely switch to renewable energy, to make the Netherlands less dependent on other countries and to meet climate targets.
The decision provides clarity to stakeholders and lays a firm foundation for a cleaner industry. Minister Hermans (Climate Policy and Green Growth), also on behalf of Minister Madlener (Infrastructure and Water Management) and Minister Keijzer (Housing and Spatial Planning), informed the House of Representatives about the decision on 5 December.
The Delta Rhine Corridor is a large-scale project to lay underground pipelines from the port of Rotterdam, via Moerdijk to Germany. This project is essential for the future of our industry. Building pipelines for hydrogen and CO2 reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides industry with the necessary infrastructure to produce cleaner. This not only contributes to the climate goals, but also strengthens the development of a sustainable economy.
Partners in the Delta Rhine Corridor for hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure are Shell, OGE, Gasunie, and BASF.
Also read: Rotterdam throughput drops in 2023, focus on transition
Faster realisation and clarity
The original plan for the DRC, combining multiple modalities such as ammonia and direct current cables, proved too ambitious and complex. Interdependencies and spatial constraints led to significant delays. Focusing the project now on hydrogen and CO2, important for making the industry more sustainable, will allow the project to move forward and create clarity for all parties involved.
This will allow the hydrogen and CO2 pipelines to be realised according to a clear timeline, with planned completion between 2031-2033. This provides companies with the certainty to continue making the necessary investments in sustainable technology. At the same time, it strengthens the Netherlands’ position as an international hydrogen hub and reliable location for CO2 storage.
Also read: Air Liquide to build CO2 capture unit in Port of Rotterdam
Ammonia and DC cables cut from project
The government has opted to remove ammonia from the DRC project. This plan is not yet sufficiently developed and needs more time. It has also been decided not to include a reusable pipeline in the project for the same reason. The possibility of realising these components later remains open.
Also, the direct current cables needed for the so-called deep landings of offshore wind energy (the infrastructure needed to transport the electricity generated from offshore wind farms to the mainland) are now outside the project. This affects the timely availability of green power in the Netherlands. Tennet estimates that the construction of the cables will then only be realised from 2040 onwards. Alternative routes are therefore being urgently sought.
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Decision prevents further delay
The Dutch government recognises the impact of this decision, but stresses that sticking to the original integrated approach would seriously delay all components. This decision creates space to build the necessary hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure, which will allow the sustainability of industry to accelerate. This offers certainty to parties involved and strengthens international cooperation, including with Germany as a partner.
Picture by Gasunie.
