Biomethane and hydrogen, among other things, are indispensable for phasing out natural gas. These sustainable molecules are an important part of our strategy for a future-proof energy system. To achieve our goals in this area, we work together throughout the entire chain: from production and distribution to supply and use. European cooperation also plays an important role.
Enexis attaches great importance to this, as it helps us to advocate for appropriate legislation and regulations at the European level and to establish relevant contacts. We are a member of Eurogas and were actively involved with Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) with Jeroen Sanders as vice-chair. After Jeroen’s departure from Enexis, another company will appoint the vice‑chair. More information about our lobbying activities in general can be found here.
Biomethane
The Netherlands has set a target, as described in the Climate Agreement, of two billion cubic metres of biomethane by 2030. This ambition remains formally in place but is no longer feasible given current developments. To stimulate the growth of biomethane, the Netherlands needs, among other measures, incentive subsidies and a mandatory biomethane share. In addition, it is important to remove obstacles in the licensing process and to address grid congestion.
To enable the feed-in of biomethane, we are investing in our gas network. We are creating connections between local gas network sections and installing boosters. For example, we are supplying biomethane boosters in Tilburg and Mill, in collaboration with Gasunie Transport Services, the national transport system operator.
By feeding biomethane into the grid, gas will now flow in both directions. Until recently, gas transport was a one-way system, from supplier to consumer. Together with other grid operators, we are studying the challenges of this change and possible solutions. With more biomethane and less gas consumption, we need to manage the gas network differently, both in terms of capacity and quality. That is why we have drawn up a vision for the digitalisation and control of the gas network. We will be implementing this vision in the coming years.
Hydrogen
We want to play a role in the distribution of hydrogen, which will require changes to legislation and regulations. Our main focus is on supplying industrial customers. Together with partners, we are assessing the feasibility of using hydrogen in industrial estates. The conclusion is that while hydrogen is a viable option, its high cost creates an unprofitable gap that requires additional funding.
In 2025, we conducted studies on the distribution of hydrogen in industrial estates. These studies clearly showed that distribution via low-pressure pipes (<16 bar) is considerably cheaper than via high-pressure pipes (>40 bar). The starting point for these studies is that new hydrogen pipelines will be built, allowing us to continue using the existing networks for natural gas. This will give companies the space to make the transition step by step.
The studies also show that the costs for the network are much lower than the costs of the hydrogen and are therefore not decisive for feasibility. In the HyDelta research programme, we are working with knowledge institutions and network operators to gather a wealth of knowledge about hydrogen distribution, for example in the areas of technology, safety, digitalisation, and the transition from natural gas to hydrogen. In addition, as grid operators, we are investigating whether we can collaborate more closely through a joint entity to distribute hydrogen.