Hydrogen pipeline in North Sea Port

Why is this infrastructure needed?

Companies based in the North Sea Port area plan to make increasing use of hydrogen as a fuel and raw material in order to systematically reduce their CO₂ emissions. Fluxys is therefore preparing to lay a cluster of pipelines in the Ghent port area that will allow companies that produce hydrogen to supply those wishing to use it in their processes.

For this project, we are working closely with companies in the port and with North Sea Port, whose hydrogen strategy aims to develop the cross-border port area into a hydrogen hub for Europe in order to support the sustainability of industry. Fluxys' hydrogen pipeline will connect at Zelzate to Gasunie's hydrogen pipeline in the Dutch part of the port, immediately creating a network linking the entire cross-border port area.

We will make every effort to minimise disruption to the surrounding area during construction of the pipeline. For example, we plan to route the new sections mainly alongside existing pipelines, roads and railway lines. We will repurpose existing natural gas pipelines where possible, and will be particularly mindful of 'coupling areas' (green spaces serving as a buffer between residential and industrial zones) in the port area. Construction of the pipeline will begin as soon as the necessary permits have been obtained. The current schedule could see work on the first phase start in 2025, with subsequent phases to follow.

North Sea Port's hydrogen network is an important step in implementing the federal hydrogen strategy and the Flemish hydrogen vision. The project is part of Fluxys' comprehensive project-based approach to help build the necessary hydrogen infrastructure throughout Belgium. The aim is to develop infrastructure in industrial clusters and establish connections between the clusters and with neighbouring countries, in line with market needs. This will allow us to lay the foundations for Belgium's lasting role as an energy hub in North-West Europe for the molecules of the future.

Consultation

As the owner and/or operator of land being used for a pipeline, you have your own contact person at Fluxys – from the preliminary study for a construction project up to restoring the site once the work is finished. This means you can consult with someone familiar with your concerns and the features of your land right from the outset.

When? With whom? About what?
From June 2022
 Owners and operators Identification of the relevant parties
Fall 2023 Owners and operators Information meetings presenting the project - Relevant local residents will receive a personal invitation
As of the submission of the Declaration of Public Utility Owners Conclusion of an agreement with the owners of the affected land
Before work in the work area starts Operators Drafting of a site description, agreed by both sides
After excavation of the trench/td> Operators Description of drainage facilities (if any)
After restoration of drainage facilities Operators Confirmation of restoration of drainage facilities
After restoration of the land Operators Handover of documents for the release of the land and assessment by both sides of damage and payment of compensation

Documents

You can download the presentations (in Dutch) from the various information sessions here:

 

Permit procedures

Permit procedure Status
Declaration of Public Utility   

Delivered on 12/10/2024 for Gent/Evergem VON2

Delivered on 6/10/2024 for Zelzate, Wachtebeke and Gent/Evergem VON1
Transmission permit Delivered on 19/11/2024
Environmental permit
for pipeline section
in the Flemish Region

On 14 November 2024, the application was declared complete and admissible.

Public enquiry

from 25/11/2024 to 24/12/2024: Wachtebeke, Evergem, Zelzate
from 28/11/2024 to 27/12/2024: Gent

Infosessions

You can download the presentations as part of the application for an environmental permit: