Twente secures future with German hydrogen pipeline connection by 2027
Twente is taking a major step toward a sustainable future by connecting to Germany’s hydrogen network. This move will provide local industries with a cleaner energy alternative, reducing reliance on natural gas and supporting high-temperature production processes. Residents and businesses can expect economic growth and innovation in the region.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Connection to German hydrogen network |
| Location | Near Denekamp, Twente (border with Nordhorn, Germany) |
| Network Operator (Germany) | Thyssengas |
| Dutch Network Company | Cogas |
| Expected Completion | End of 2027 |
| Funding Support | Province of Overijssel (subsidy) |
| Consortium Partners | 13, including municipalities, chambers of commerce, and regional agencies |
| Purpose | Sustainable alternative for high-temperature industrial processes |
| Next Milestone | Joint exploration of hydrogen-ready areas in Twente by 2026 |
The province of Overijssel plays a key role in facilitating the energy transition by supporting regional infrastructure projects like this hydrogen initiative. It collaborates with local governments, businesses, and network operators to drive sustainable economic growth and innovation in the region. Cogas, as the local network company, is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient transport of energy, including hydrogen, to businesses and industries in Twente.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Connection to German hydrogen network to bring hydrogen to Twente
A broad Twente-Germany consortium, including among others the province of Overijssel and network company Cogas, has taken an important step towards making hydrogen available in Twente. Cogas has signed a contract with German network 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 an 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 pipeline
The German hydrogen network is under construction and will run close to the Dutch border. The new connection point will make it 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 that require 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: Overijssel energy vision ). 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 with Twente via the German hydrogen infrastructure.
Why this step is necessary
The industry in Twente needs sustainable alternatives to natural gas, especially for production processes requiring high temperatures. 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 that will accelerate in the coming years.
Next steps
The connection point is an important first step, but more steps are needed for a complete hydrogen supply in Twente. With the symbolic signing, the partners commit to these follow-up steps so that hydrogen can actually reach Twente-based entrepreneurs. The partners have agreed on several actions:
- 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 the financial possibilities for the follow-up steps and determine what conditions are needed for an investment decision on the regional infrastructure in 2027.
- Strengthen cooperation with Dutch and German neighbouring regions and explore where European opportunities can be utilised.
- Jointly lobby for (inter)national policy that promotes the switch to hydrogen, including in cross-border projects.
- Build on the implementation agenda of the energy vision and energy region and accelerate the development of the regional hydrogen infrastructure, with the aim of achieving the first actual uptake of hydrogen before 2030.
Signing at HyField
Twente is not only working on the construction of a hydrogen infrastructure, but also on increasing knowledge and safety around hydrogen applications. Cogas is therefore 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 location for this signing.
At this secure location, emergency services, network operators, companies and research institutions will be able to test, train and gain experience with hydrogen realistically throughout the year. The development aligns with Twente's ambition to become a leading hydrogen region. In this ambition, infrastructure, knowledge development and application reinforce each other. HyField is planned to be operational around the summer.