•    Bilfinger designs stations for hydrogen reception for Gasunie to connect customers to the Dutch hydrogen network 
•    Standardized Bilfinger design allows for efficient implementation at various customer sites across the Netherlands 
•    Collaboration accelerates the industry’s transition to hydrogen as sustainable energy source

Groningen, the Netherlands. Industrial services provider Bilfinger was commissioned by Dutch energy network operator Gasunie to engineer a standardized station to receive hydrogen. In the future, the station will enable Gasunie to connect customers to the new underground hydrogen network (Project Hydrogen Network Netherlands), thus making an important contribution to the industry’s transition to hydrogen.    

The Hydrogen Network Netherlands is a pioneering project realized by Gasunie’s subsidiary Hynetwork, which concerns the construction of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure in the Netherlands. It connects the five major industrial clusters, allowing the industry to transition from fossil fuel to renewable hydrogen, and can thereby significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance BeNe was commissioned for the design of the hydrogen receiving station, an essential component of the new nation-wide network. These stations, located on or near the customer’s premises, are a necessary link between Gasunie’s transport network and the hydrogen customers. A hydrogen receiving station regulates the pressure of the incoming hydrogen for further use and transportation within the facility. In addition, the hydrogen flow is continuously measured, making it possible to accurately determine what hydrogen is received.

“There was no standard solution on the market to connect our customers to our hydrogen network. So, Bilfinger created the design for a hydrogen receiving station for us,” said Bram Engelage, Mechanical Engineer at Gasunie. “We are very happy with the expertise provided by Bilfinger. The result is a standardized design that perfectly fits our customers across industries. Implementation and commissioning are therefore efficient. A great development for Gasunie to provide the industry with reliable, sustainable energy.”    

Gasunie operates extensive natural gas transmission networks in the Netherlands and Germany. For the last couple of years, they have been investing substantially in adjusting the existing infrastructure to meet future energy demands in a sustainable way. One of these measures is the reuse of existing natural gas pipelines for the transportation of hydrogen.

“Gasunie’s initiative underscores the Netherlands’ commitment to leading the way in the energy transition,” says Monique Overbosch, Regional Director Engineering & Consultancy at Bilfinger E&M BeNe. “This is perfectly in line with the Bilfinger strategy to become No. 1 in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. We are looking forward to further expanding our ongoing collaboration with Gasunie, significantly supporting them on their mission to make the industry more sustainable.”

Bilfinger and Gasunie have been collaborating on hydrogen projects for years. One example is the development of an underground storage facility for green hydrogen (HyStock) near Zuidwending. Recently, the two companies signed a 10-year framework agreement for energy transition projects in the Netherlands. The scope of this agreement covers a wide range of projects related to the energy transition, including engineering services for new energy initiatives such as hydrogen transport and storage. It also includes the modification and expansion of the existing natural gas network infrastructure to support the transition to more sustainable alternatives such as hydrogen and biogas.

Bilfinger offers comprehensive solutions along the entire hydrogen value chain: from production through storage and delivery to the use of hydrogen. By bundling both the necessary expertise and services – from consulting, engineering, procurement and construction to maintenance – the company offers all services in one solution.