“Through one T piece, we are connecting regional demand with European infrastructure. Our Vlieghuis-Ochtrup H2 pipeline provides access to the Dutch hydrogen import market and, by connecting the T-piece to the German hydrogen core network, improves the supply outlook for industry and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Twente region.“ Dr Stefanie Kesting, CEO of Thyssengas could hardly hide her excitement at the launch of the Thyssengas cooperation with local Dutch gas provider Cogas.

Connecting a Dutch distribution system operator to the H2 core network, via a German transmission system operator, is a first. Thyssengas’ regional presence in North Rhine Westphalia and Lower Saxony is set to cross borders to scale up hydrogen usage. The T-piece is scheduled for construction in 2027 on the Thyssengas Vlieghuis-Ochtrup H2 pipeline near Nordhorn and connects to an unused Dutch natural gas pipeline operated by Cogas over only a 300 m distance. The pipeline runs from the German-Dutch border to the south of Denekamp in the Dutch Overijssel province and therefor will be able to supply local industry in the Dutch cities of Enschede, Hengelo and Almelo. More importantly this will offer the first major connection to a core EU transport corridor, the North Sea Baltic corridor.

Connecting a local Dutch distribution system operator to the H2 core network via a German transmission system operator is a first. The conversion of the 53-kilometre natural gas pipeline is part of Germany’s core hydrogen network and the GET H2 hydrogen initiative.

In addition, a consortium of 13 partners, supported by the Almelo Hydrogen Hub, have signed an agreement that goes beyond the construction of the T-piece aiming at establishing a regional hydrogen infrastructure in Twente. The aim is to ensure a hydrogen supply across the region and strengthen cross-border cooperation. The agreement was signed at the Twente Safety Campus at the Twente Airport in Enschede. This is where a new hydrogen testing and training facility called ‘HyField’ is being developed in collaboration with Cogas, set to commence operations in summer 2026.

*The consortium comprises the following partners: Municipality of Enschede, Municipality of Almelo, Municipality of Hengelo, Municipality of Oldenzaal, Industrie und Handelskammer Nord Westfalen, Oost NL, TECHLAND, H2HUB Twente, Twenteboard, Energy Strategy Twente (RES Twente), Cogas, Province of Overijssel, Thyssengas