HyTROS: mapping and mitigating risks in the hydrogen network

Research into the hydrogen network

The Netherlands is the second-largest hydrogen producer in Europe. Currently, almost all hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels. By 2030, the country aims to have 4 GW of electrolysis capacity. The main challenge in producing carbon-neutral or green hydrogen at this scale is to investigate the extent to which the existing onshore and offshore natural gas infrastructure can be reused for hydrogen and where new assets are required.

In addition, it must be determined what measures are needed to ensure the new energy system operates safely, cost-effectively, and with societal acceptance. This requires further research into the hydrogen network — covering production, transport, and storage across the entire hydrogen value chain.

Accelerating hydrogen network and market development

The HyTROS project (Hydrogen Transport, Offshore and Storage) brings together a consortium of eleven universities, two research institutes, two universities of applied sciences, and eighteen industrial partners under TNO’s leadership to conduct research on hydrogen transport (primarily via pipelines), above- and underground storage, offshore transport and storage, and hydrogen safety.

The programme focuses on identifying and mitigating risks associated with the development of infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage, both offshore and onshore. The goal is to enable faster and smoother development of the hydrogen network and market.

All national and regional grid operators planning to transport hydrogen, future storage operators, and suppliers for onshore and offshore pipeline installations, inspection, and maintenance are participating in the HyTROS programme.

The HyTROS consortium

University of Groningen, Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University, University of Amsterdam, University of Twente, Utrecht University, CWI, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, TNO, Deltares, VSL, Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute, HyET E-TROL, Shell Global Solutions International, N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, EBN, Nobian Industrial Chemicals, Allseas Group SA, Worley Netherlands, DNV Netherlands, Netbeheer Nederland, SKF, Neptune Energy, Voyex, Aliaxis, Fluidwell, TAQA Energy, ONE-Dyas.

About GroenvermogenNL

GroenvermogenNL is a programme of the Dutch National Growth Fund. Its aim is to promote and accelerate the use of green hydrogen in Dutch industry through R&D, pilot and demonstration projects, and human capital development.