Preparations for a hydrogen pipeline: what does this mean for Echt-Susteren and Sittard-Geleen?

Gemeente Echt-Susteren

Region – In the coming years, Limburg may be faced with the construction of a new underground hydrogen network. The national government is working on this project in cooperation with Hynetwork, a subsidiary of Gasunie.

The planned pipeline will run from Ravenstein to Schinnen and will include an important branch to the Chemelot industrial area in Sittard-Geleen. As a result, Echt-Susteren and the surrounding area will also be involved in this national energy project.

Transition

The hydrogen network is intended to support the transition to sustainable energy. Hydrogen can be used when solar and wind energy do not provide sufficient power and offers industry an alternative to natural gas. Chemelot in particular plays a key role in this transition, as the industrial complex is a major consumer of energy and raw materials. Connecting Chemelot to the hydrogen network makes it possible to structurally reduce CO₂ emissions in the region.

To a large extent, existing natural gas pipelines will be repurposed for hydrogen transport. In the area around Echt-Susteren, this means the route will largely remain underground and that new interventions will be limited. However, a new section of pipeline will be constructed between Melick and Hommelhof, and a new connection will be built toward Chemelot. Above ground, little will generally be visible, although temporary construction activities may be noticeable for local residents and landowners during installation.

Permit procedure

Before construction can begin, the project must go through an extensive permission process. Residents of Echt-Susteren and Sittard-Geleen can participate and provide input during this phase through the so-called Statement of Intent and Participation Plan (Voornemen en Participatieplan). Input can be submitted from 23 January through 5 March. Only after this procedure has been completed and all permits have been obtained - expected no earlier than after 2030 - actual construction can begin.

To keep residents well informed, several information sessions will be organized. On Tuesday, 3 February, an online information meeting will take place, followed later in February by walk-in information sessions, including one in Geleen. During these sessions, residents can ask questions about the route, the planning, and the possible effects on their living environment.

More information about the project and participation opportunities can be found on the websites of RVO and Hynetwork.

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As an extra service, in cooperation with Buddy System Sittard-Geleen, local news is being translated for the many expats living in Sittard-Geleen and surroundings.

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