The construction of a hydrogen pipeline between Zelzate and Kallo (East Flanders) is at risk of being delayed by a year. This is due to a decision by the Permit Disputes Council to temporarily suspend the permit granted by the Flemish Government.
The gas network operator Fluxys confirmed the news on Wednesday, citing potentially severe implications for the project's delivery, initially scheduled for 2026.
"Work has been halted until a decision is made on the merits, which could take up to a year," said Fluxys spokesperson Tim De Vil. "This clearly jeopardises our schedule."
Fluxys announced the start of the construction of a new hydrogen pipeline network last March. The main pipeline – which is 35 kilometres long – will connect Kallo to Zelzate between the ports of Antwerp and Ghent, where the infrastructure will be extended. This represents the first phase of Belgium's hydrogen network and involves an investment of several tens of millions of euros, according to Fluxys.
The construction was halted after the Permit Disputes Council's decision, following a lawsuit filed by fruit producers concerned that the work might affect their crops. The council sided with the fruit growers.
A final decision on the permit's cancellation is expected next year, at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Fluxys is discussing with the Flemish Government whether and how the permit could still be retained, and continues to negotiate with agricultural organisations such as Boerenbond.
