Twente gears up for hydrogen future with German network link by 2027
Twente is taking a major step toward a sustainable energy future by connecting to Germany’s hydrogen network. This move will provide local industries with a cleaner alternative to natural gas, supporting high-temperature production processes and boosting the region’s economic growth. The first hydrogen deliveries are expected by the end of 2027.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project | Connection to German hydrogen network |
| Location | Near Nordhorn (Germany) to Denekamp (Twente) |
| Expected Completion | End of 2027 |
| Funding Support | Province of Overijssel (subsidy) |
| Key Partners | Cogas, Thyssengas, municipalities of Enschede, Almelo, Hengelo, Oldenzaal, etc. |
| Purpose | Sustainable alternative for high-temperature industrial processes |
| Next Steps | Joint exploration for hydrogen delivery by 2030, financial planning by 2027 |
| Testing & Training Facility | HyField (operational summer 2026) |
The province of Overijssel plays a key role in accelerating the energy transition by funding and facilitating regional hydrogen projects. As a government body, it supports cross-border collaborations to ensure Twente’s industries remain competitive while shifting toward sustainable energy solutions.
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Connection to German hydrogen network to bring hydrogen to Twente
In the photo: representatives of all partners. On behalf of Oldenzaal, alderwoman Petra Olde Engberink (portfolio holder Energy Transition), third from the right, signed the agreement. A broad Twente-Germany consortium, including among others the province of Overijssel and network company Cogas, is taking an important step today in Enschede towards making hydrogen available for Twente. Cogas is signing a contract with German grid operator Thyssengas for the construction of a connection to the German hydrogen network near the border at Nordhorn. The province of Overijssel is supporting this step with a subsidy. All parties are also signing a joint agreement in which they commit to jointly developing a regional hydrogen infrastructure in Twente. With this signing, the partners express their intention to bring hydrogen to Twente together, thereby strengthening the region's position as progressive, innovative, and entrepreneurial.
Hydrogen available via existing Cogas pipeline. The German hydrogen network is under construction and will run close to the Dutch border. With the new connection point, it will be possible to link this pipeline to an existing Cogas pipeline near Denekamp. After modification, this pipeline can be used to transport hydrogen to Twente-based companies. This creates a future-proof solution for sectors requiring high temperatures in their production processes. Hydrogen is also important for a robust energy system that offers prospects for growth alongside the region (see also: Energy Vision Overijssel). The connection (connection point) is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Partners. The consortium consists of: the municipalities of Enschede, Almelo, Hengelo, and Oldenzaal; the Industrie und Handelskammer Nord Westfalen; Oost NL; TECHLAND; H2HUB Twente; Twente Board; Energiestrategie Twente (RES Twente); Thyssengas; Cogas; and the province of Overijssel. The partners see this as a unique opportunity to establish a direct link between Twente and the German hydrogen infrastructure.
Why this step is necessary. Industry in Twente requires sustainable alternatives to natural gas, particularly for high-temperature production processes. Hydrogen is one of the few realistic options for this. By already establishing a connection to the German hydrogen network, Twente is preparing for the energy transition, which is accelerating in the coming years.
Next steps. The connection point is an important first step, but further measures are needed for a complete hydrogen supply in Twente. With today's symbolic signing, the partners commit to these follow-up steps so that hydrogen can actually reach Twente-based entrepreneurs. They agree to:
- complete a joint exploration by 2026 of promising areas in Twente that could receive hydrogen by 2030;
- engage in active dialogue with entrepreneurs about the economic opportunities of hydrogen for the Twente manufacturing industry and investigate what they need to develop demand for hydrogen;
- explore financial options for the follow-up steps and determine the conditions required for an investment decision on regional infrastructure in 2027;
- strengthen cooperation with Dutch and German neighboring regions and explore opportunities to leverage European funding;
- jointly lobby for (inter)national policies that promote the transition to hydrogen, including in cross-border projects;
- build on the implementation agenda of the energy vision and energy region, accelerating the development of regional hydrogen infrastructure with the goal of the first actual hydrogen uptake before 2030.
The signing is taking place at HyField. Twente is not only working on the construction of a hydrogen infrastructure but also on expanding knowledge and safety around hydrogen applications. For this reason, Cogas is developing 'HyField' together with the Twente Safety Campus. This is a new testing and training location for hydrogen at Technology Base Twente in Enschede, making it a highly suitable venue for this signing. At this secure location, emergency services, grid operators, businesses, and research institutions will be able to conduct realistic testing, training, and gain experience with hydrogen throughout the year. The development aligns with Twente's ambition to grow into a leading hydrogen region, where infrastructure, knowledge development, and application reinforce each other. HyField is expected to become operational around summer.