WaterstofNet to take over RH2INE secretariat: renewed mission, new members, and new energy
Starting January 1, 2025, WaterstofNet will officially take over the RH2INE secretariat. This European network aims to establish a zero-emission transport corridor along the Rhine. Focusing on inland shipping, hydrogen is being deployed as an alternative fuel for freight transport. The network concentrates on creating the necessary conditions to balance hydrogen supply and demand, as well as developing the infrastructure to support its implementation. Additionally, RH2INE aims to accelerate the adoption and scaling of hydrogen in inland shipping through standardization, business case development, and the establishment of effective governance tools. WaterstofNet will take over leadership from the founding partners: the Province of Zuid Holland (NL) and North Rhine-Westphalia (DE).
CEO Bert De Colvenaer and project manager Tom Verlinden from WaterstofNet (pictured on the right) officially received the symbolic key to the RH2INE secretariat.
A renewed mission for sustainable inland shipping
The vision and mission, developed in collaboration with the steering members, focus on further strengthening the hydrogen infrastructure within the Rhine-Alpine corridor. RH2INE's four core pillars are: Establishing structural collaboration and knowledge-sharing with existing initiatives, setting up a hydrogen tank container pool, engaging European and national authorities jointly and lastely increasing visibility within the inland shipping community. WaterstofNet will play a coordinating role and guide the implementation of these plans.
New members, new energy
RH2INE is expanding its reach and now represents a broader geographic area. On the Dutch side, Provinces of Noord Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, and Overijssel join Zuid Holland as steering members. In Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate will strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia’s participation. Additionally, Flanders is represented by De Vlaamse Waterweg. These new partners enhance RH2INE's influence and foster collaboration on hydrogen initiatives across various European regions.
Ports strengthen hydrogen infrastructure
Regional ports also play a crucial role in strengthening hydrogen infrastructure. The ports of Rotterdam, Duisburg, Basel (Port of Switzerland), and Antwerp-Bruges have joined the RH2INE network. These ports are pivotal in developing hydrogen infrastructure along the Rhine-Alpine corridor, and their involvement accelerates the transition toward a sustainable and zero-emission future. This expansion marks an essential step in strengthening hydrogen infrastructure and promoting cross-border hydrogen solutions in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and beyond.
The newly formed leadership team convened for the first time on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Arnhem.
Visions for a green hydrogen future
Bert De Colvenaer, CEO of WaterstofNet: “As coordinator of the RH2INE network, we can leverage our experience and expertise to accelerate the hydrogen economy. We are excited about the opportunities this transition brings to help transform the region into a sustainable, zero-emission future. This collaboration is crucial for accelerating hydrogen implementation in the Rhine Valley as a model for Europe!”
Tom Hautekiet, Chief Business Development & Transition Officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We continue to support and actively contribute to the RH2INE network because we believe that cross-border collaboration is essential for rolling out hydrogen as a solution for zero-emission inland shipping. Aligning existing and new initiatives with standardization efforts, joint advocacy, and developing port infrastructure will be critical for creating sustainable inland shipping connections along the Rhine corridor.”
Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport): “Building on the promising results of recent years, it is vital to engage stakeholders across borders and bring together their perspectives. We are pleased that the various interests and initiatives for using hydrogen on the Rhine and in inland shipping will now be coordinated through the RH2INE secretariat. As a port and infrastructure provider, we are proud to contribute our expertise to the RH2INE network and actively shape the sustainable future of inland shipping.”
For more information:
Tom.Verlinden@WaterstofNet.eu