Hydrogen is now moving towards one of the most important first European hydrogen infrastructure projects.
The plug completed the first hydrogen filling of the 32 km Hynetwork pipeline section in the Rotterdam industrial cluster, providing 32 tons of hydrogen certified by the RFNBO to support the first use. This historic event marks the first major part of the hydrogen network's pipelines to be filled which is a fundamental step in building a hydrogen backbone in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and northwest Europe.
An important link in the European hydrogen backbone
Developed by Gasunie subsidiary Hynetwork, the Rotterdam pipeline connects the port with important industrial customers and will also connect to the Netherlands' nationwide hydrogen network.
This segment also forms the basis of the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC), which connects Rotterdam to industrial demand throughout the Netherlands and Germany and supports the decarbonisation of large industries while strengthening Europe's energy security.
Delivered in partnership
Filling operations are carried out in close cooperation between Hynetwork, Plug, and logistics partners, with hydrogen transported from northern Germany to a temporary filling station in the Maasvlakte industrial area near Rotterdam.
As Hynetwork noted after commissioning, having experienced professional partners and strong communication across teams was critical to delivering the work safely, efficiently and on time.
Focused execution, smooth results
The plug supports the application by providing certified hydrogen and delivering a custom-designed unloading system for pipe cleaning and filling, allowing for efficient unloading of multiple hydrogen trailers and continuous flow during operation.
The pipeline was filled well and without incident which serves as an important signal as hydrogen networks continue to grow across Europe.
Building momentum across Europe
The Rotterdam milestone builds on Plug's growing supply of hydrogen across Europe, including the H2CAST salt cave storage project in Germany, where Plug delivered more than 44 tonnes of renewable hydrogen and was subsequently awarded another supply contract.
Together, these projects represent a broader change: hydrogen infrastructure from planning to operation, supported by partners who can reliably deliver at scale.
Hydrogen, delivered where it matters
From guaranteed hydrogen supply and logistics to custom engineering and on-site fabrication, Plug is proud to support Europe's hydrogen infrastructure rollout with partners like Gasunie.
With hydrogen now flowing through the first major pipeline section of Rotterdam, the foundation is in place for a connected, robust hydrogen system across the Netherlands and northwestern Europe. Gasunie shared more details on what this milestone means for the Dutch hydrogen network and the future of European hydrogen infrastructure. Read their opinion on the project here: The first part of the hydrogen network full of green hydrogen › Gasunie