Subsurface investigations, led by Fugro and Sweco, are now underway for a major pipeline project in the Netherlands that aims to connect industrial hubs with hydrogen supply and CO2 storage infrastructure.
Commissioned by Gasunie, the Delta Rhine Corridor West (DRC West) project will establish a network linking Rotterdam, Moerdijk, and Boxtel. The pipelines are designed to transport hydrogen to industrial users while also enabling captured carbon dioxide to be routed to offshore storage sites in the North Sea.
Fieldwork is being carried out by Fugro in partnership with Sweco, covering a 44-mile stretch from the Maasvlakte industrial zone to the Hollands Diep waterway. The program includes a range of geotechnical and geophysical assessments aimed at understanding underground conditions along the planned route.
Mapping the subsurface for infrastructure buildout
The investigation phase involves cone penetration testing, drilling, and groundwater monitoring to assess soil composition and stability. These insights are critical for determining safe construction methods and reducing uncertainty in pipeline design.
Particular attention is being given to the Hollands Diep crossing, a heavily trafficked waterway where additional surveys are being conducted to map riverbed conditions and identify potential risks. The data collected will inform engineering decisions, including routing and drilling strategies.
In parallel, environmental and spatial assessments are being conducted, covering factors such as ecology, cultural heritage, and potential contamination. These studies are intended to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while minimising environmental impact.
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Findings from the investigation programme will be compiled into detailed advisory reports for Gasunie, supporting the next stages of design and construction. This includes planning for directional drilling and groundwater management during installation.
The project forms part of a broader effort to build integrated energy infrastructure in the Netherlands, combining hydrogen transport with carbon capture and storage (CCS) networks.
As industrial clusters look to decarbonise, such corridors are expected to play a key role in connecting emitters with both clean energy sources and CO2 storage solutions.
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