The RH2INE network

Background

RH₂INE stands for Rhine Hydrogen Integration Network of Excellence and was initiated in 2019 by the province of Zuid-Holland and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia and supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands. In 2025, WaterstofNet took the helm of RH2INE by taking up the organisation of the daily activities in the central program office.

Steering members

At the same time, RH2INE expanded its reach, therefore representing 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.

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 at the same time. 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.

Mission and goals

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. 

Collaborating partners

Since 2019, the network has been growing steadily and now brings together over 35 public and private stakeholders from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria, and Germany. These partners collaborate closely with the steering members in RH2INE’s working groups, taking on an active advisory role.

Click here for a full view on the steering members and partners.