16 maart 2026

HY-Infra: cross-border initiative to advance hydrogen infrastructure in the Meuse-Rhine region

Partners from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany have launched the ‘HY-Infra’ project, a cross-border initiative aimed at accelerating the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the Meuse-Rhine region. The project brings together WaterstofNet (NL), ZBT (DE), ANPLICON GmbH (DE), POM Limburg (BE), and Cluster Tweed (BE) to address shared challenges related to hydrogen infrastructure, demand aggregation and hydrogen quality.

Hydrogen plays a key role in achieving Europe’s climate and energy objectives. The Meuse-Rhine region has a strong industrial base, logistics sector and inland shipping activities. “However, fragmented infrastructure planning, uncertainty regarding cross-border connections, and limited insight into hydrogen quality currently slow down large-scale deployment. These barriers delay scale-up, investment security, and broad adoption,” explains Stefan Neis, HY-Infra project manager at WaterstofNet. “The infrastructure in the three countries must be aligned. HY-Infra is launched now to cooperate on rollout, permitting,… and to highlight regional importance and business involvement.”

Modular roadmap

HY-Infra aims to develop an integrated cross-border framework for hydrogen infrastructure planning between 2026 and 2035. Within this roadmap the focus will be on the backbone (industry) and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure (trucks, inland shipping,…). The project will map regional hydrogen demand, align infrastructure plans across borders, and develop a modular roadmap for stakeholders.

Mobile laboratory

As quality of hydrogen is important, part of the project is the development of innovative hydrogen quality monitoring solutions, including a mobile laboratory and multi-gas analysis system. These tools will support cross-border pilot activities and contribute to the establishment of a ‘Hydrogen Quality Competence Center’ at ZBT.

By strengthening cooperation between industry, small SMEs, research institutions and public authorities, HY-Infra will create a platform for companies investing in hydrogen technologies, and reinforce the Meuse-Rhine region’s position as an emerging European hydrogen innovation hub.

Knowledge exchange

The project also includes the creation of a transnational database on hydrogen demand, infrastructure planning, permits and hydrogen-quality data. As well as organizing workshops and a final conference to facilitate knowledge exchange between companies, policymakers and regional stakeholders.

HY-Infra contributes to broader European initiatives such as the EU Hydrogen Backbone, AFIR infrastructure development for transport, and the RH2INE corridor for inland shipping, ensuring that the Meuse-Rhine region plays an active role in Europe’s hydrogen transition.

HY-Infra runs for three years until the end of 2028.

More information on the project website.

Read the press release.

The project receives funding from the Interreg Meuse Rhine program. This program receives support from the European Regional Development Fund or ERDF. HY-infra also receives co-financing from the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant, the Dutch Ministry of EZK, and the Province of Wallonia.