News item | 05-12-2024 | 5:15 PM
To accelerate the sustainability of the industry and prevent further delays to the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC), the government has decided to prioritize hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure. This decision contributes to the timely transition to sustainable energy, to make the Netherlands less dependent on foreign countries and to achieve the climate goals. The decision provides clarity to those involved and lays a solid foundation for a cleaner industry. Today, Minister Hermans (Climate and Green Growth), also on behalf of Minister Madlener (Infrastructure and Water Management) and Minister Keijzer (Public Housing and Spatial Planning), will inform the House of Representatives about this decision.
Important step in making industry more sustainable
The Delta Rhine Corridor is a large-scale project to construct underground pipelines from the port of Rotterdam, via Moerdijk to Germany. This project is essential for the future of our industry. Installing pipelines for hydrogen and CO₂ reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides the industry with the necessary infrastructure for cleaner production. This not only contributes to the climate goals, but also strengthens the development of a sustainable economy.
Faster realization and clarity
The original plan for the DRC, which combined multiple modalities such as ammonia and direct current cables, turned out to be too ambitious and complex. Interdependencies and spatial constraints led to significant delays. By now focusing the project on hydrogen and CO₂, important for making the industry more sustainable, the project can move forward and provide clarity for all parties involved.
This allows the hydrogen and CO₂ pipelines to be realized according to a clear timeline, with a planned completion between 2031-2033. This offers companies the certainty to continue making the necessary investments in sustainable technology. At the same time, it strengthens the position of the Netherlands as an international hydrogen hub and reliable location for CO₂ storage.
Consequences for ammonia and DC cables
The government has chosen to remove ammonia from the DRC project. This plan has not yet been sufficiently developed and needs more time. It was also decided not to include a reusable pipeline in the project for the same reason. The possibility of realizing these components later remains open.
The direct current cables required for the so-called deep landings of offshore wind energy (the infrastructure required to transport the electricity generated from offshore wind farms to the mainland) are now also excluded from the project. This has consequences for the timely availability of green energy in the Netherlands. Tennet estimates that the cables will only be laid from 2040 onwards. That is why alternative routes are being urgently sought.
Decision prevents further delay
The government recognizes the impact of this decision, but emphasizes that adhering to the original integrated approach would seriously delay all components. This choice creates space to install the necessary hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure, which can accelerate the sustainability of the industry. This provides certainty to the parties involved and strengthens international cooperation, including with Germany as a partner.