Twente takes major step towards hydrogen future with German connection
Residents and businesses in Twente could soon benefit from a sustainable hydrogen supply, reducing reliance on natural gas. A new cross-border pipeline connection, supported by local governments and a provincial subsidy, aims to boost the region’s green energy infrastructure by 2027.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Hydrogen pipeline connection to German network |
| Parties Involved | Cogas, Thyssengas, Province of Overijssel, Twente municipalities |
| Location | Near Nordhorn (Germany) to Denekamp (Netherlands) |
| Expected Completion | End of 2027 |
| Subsidy Provider | Province of Overijssel |
| Target Users | Twente-based businesses, especially high-temperature industries |
| Next Steps | Assessing regional demand, infrastructure development, and safety training |
| Safety Initiative | HyField testing/training facility at Twente Safety Campus |
The province of Overijssel plays a key role in regional energy transitions, providing subsidies and facilitating cross-border collaborations. Municipalities like Enschede contribute by aligning local economic and sustainability goals with broader infrastructure projects.
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Hydrogen for Twente comes closer
Cogas today signed a contract with German grid operator Thyssengas at the Twente Safety Campus in Enschede. This contract concerns the construction of a connection to the German hydrogen network near Nordhorn. The province of Overijssel is supporting this initiative with a subsidy. This fulfills an important first condition to enable the future supply of hydrogen to Twente.
At the same time, it is clear that this off-take point will only truly add value if follow-up steps are taken in the region. That is why regional and cross-border partners today declared that they will continue working together on a hydrogen network for Twente. The municipality of Enschede is one of the participants in this collaboration.
On behalf of the municipalities of Enschede, Almelo, Hengelo and Oldenzaal, Niels van den Berg, alderman for Sustainability in Enschede, signed the agreement. In doing so, he represented the four Twente municipalities within the broader partnership committed to bringing hydrogen to Twente. “This is a great example of the power of cross-border collaboration, both literally and figuratively,” says Niels van den Berg. “With this step, we bring hydrogen for Twente closer. By working together across borders, we lay the foundation for the energy supply and economic activity of the future.”
First step, further details to follow
The German hydrogen network is currently under construction and will run close to the Dutch border. The new off-take point will make it possible to connect this pipeline in the future to an existing Cogas pipeline near Denekamp. After modification, this pipeline can be used to transport hydrogen to Twente-based businesses. The connection is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
This does not yet complete the regional hydrogen supply system. The exact configuration will need to be further explored in the coming period. The parties involved will therefore jointly examine which areas in Twente are most suitable for hydrogen first. They will also investigate the demand from businesses and the investments and conditions required.
Importance for Enschede and the region
For Enschede and the rest of Twente, this is an important development. Especially companies with production processes requiring high temperatures are looking for sustainable alternatives to natural gas. Hydrogen is one of the most promising solutions for this. By enabling a first connection now and simultaneously agreeing on follow-up steps, the partners are preparing the region for a future-proof energy supply.
This strengthens Enschede’s efforts to decarbonize industry and improve the business climate. In the coming years, it will become clear how the regional infrastructure can be further developed and where hydrogen can be applied first.
Focus on knowledge and safety
In addition to infrastructure development, Twente is also working on knowledge and safety related to hydrogen applications. For example, Cogas is collaborating with the Twente Safety Campus to develop HyField on Technology Base Twente. This will be a testing and training facility where emergency services, businesses and educational institutions can gain practical experience with hydrogen.