H2 and CO2 transport through the Delta Rhine Corridor as a unique cross-border infrastructure project
We all want a secure supply of climate-friendly energy. This requires good ideas, committed companies and the right political framework. Everything is to come together in the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC) project.
BASF, Gasunie, OGE and Shell have signed a Cooperation Agreement which details their intention to jointly enable, de-risk and coordinate the development of a cross-border pipeline system in a cost effective, scalable and flexible manner.
The DRC project is intended to transport CO2 in order to store it elsewhere. On the other hand, hydrogen produced CO2-free or with low CO2 emissions will reach customers along the route as an energy carrier or raw material.
We want to realize this truly European infrastructure project together with other partners and political and social support. The Dutch government has recognized the added value for society and declared the initiative to develop the Delta Rhine Corridor a project of national interest. Consequently, the Dutch licensing process (only in Dutch) for this wider initiative was already started at the end of May 2023. The DRC project partners aim to realize hydrogen and CO2 transport infrastructure in this corridor. With politics and society at our side, we can take a big step in the energy transition. We are ready to do so! The transport of potentially other products in the same corridor would have to be developed by other parties.
idea and ambitions
Germany and the Netherlands want to be carbon neutral by 2045 and 2050, respectively, and need more low-carbon hydrogen than can be produced domestically.
The ambition of the DRC project is to transport CO2 from Germany and the Netherlands to CO2 storage facilities in the North Sea and possible CO2 users. In addition, low-carbon hydrogen will be made available to industry in the Netherlands and Germany via the Rotterdam import point.
In this way, the DRC project aims to contribute to maintaining and further developing of industry, innovation and jobs in the Netherlands and Germany.
Objectives of the Delta Rhine Corridor project
The project partners want to help achieve the climate goals of the EU, the Netherlands and Germany. They also want to evaluate the connection and possible synergies of the DRC project with other networks planned in the Netherlands or Germany.
Potential:
"We are pulling on all levers on the way to net-zero emissions and breaking new ground: consistently across borders and sectors, in partnership with customers and policymakers — this is also what the Delta Rhine Corridor project stands for."
Dr. Marco Richrath, Senior Vice President Chemicals & Products Europe, Shell
"We develop and implement infrastructure solutions to decarbonise the economy - the Delta Rhine Corridor is an important project to achieve this across borders."
Dr. Thomas Hüwener,
CEO, OGE
"Gasunie is transforming from being a gas transport company to an energy infrastructure company. In addition to natural gas, we will soon transport hydrogen, CO2, heat and green gas. The Delta Rhine Corridor is an important step in the realisation of a cross-border and sustainable energy system."
Hans Coenen, Member of the Executive Board, responsible for Business Development and Participations, N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
"For our transformation to climate-neutral chemical production, the expansion of a hydrogen transport network in Germany and Europe is essential. In addition, we are examining options for transporting and storing CO2 emissions that are difficult to avoid for a transitional period."
Dr. Lars Kissau, President Net Zero Accelerator, BASF SE
The DRC project is a unique, cross-border and cross-regional infrastructure project between the Netherlands and Germany that aims to enable decarbonization via a hydrogen pipeline as well as a CO2 pipeline. Individual project sections in the Netherlands and Germany are planned to be operational as early as possible.
The Dutch government is currently investigating the possibility to support not only the hydrogen and CO2 pipelines in the Delta Rhine Corridor but also other pipeline and direct current infrastructures between Rotterdam and the German border. The DRC Project Partners BASF, Gasunie, OGE and Shell are only aiming to develop hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure in the corridor. If other infrastructure in the corridor were to be politically supported, it would have to be developed by other companies.
Read more about the development of the Delta Rhine Corridor in the Netherlands (only in Dutch).
If you want to get in touch on for H2 and/or CO2 transport in Germany please contact OGE:
If you want to get in touch for H2 and/or CO2 transport in the Netherlands please contact GASUNIE: