German gas transmission operator Thyssengas has started converting a natural gas pipeline on the Dutch-German border to carry 100% hydrogen.

The 52km pipeline network between Vlieghuis in the Netherlands and Ochtrup in Germany will form part of the wider Northwest European hydrogen backbone to connect production centres and import terminals with industrial regions.

It will connect the 9,000km German hydrogen core network with the Dutch province of Zeeland, and the ports of Amsterdam, Eemshaven, and Rotterdam.

Work commenced at a midpoint in the network near the border in Hoogstede, with plans to have the system ready to handle 100% hydrogen by 2027.