GTS Finalises IP2026

On April 23 2026, GTS finalized its biannual investment plan.

The investment plan describes and substantiates GTS’s expansion and replacement investments for the coming ten years. Before GTS proceeds to final adoption, the investment plan is assessed by both the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth (KGG) and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets(ACM). KGG assesses whether sufficient account has been taken of developments in the energy market, while the ACM assesses the necessity and efficiency of the investments. To this end, GTS submitted the draft IP2026 to both KGG and the ACM on January 5 of this year. Both authorities completed their assessments with a positive outcome last week. The final IP2026 has been finalized without any changes compared to the draft IP2026.

Security of supply and sustainability remain key priorities

The gas market has changed significantly in recent years due to international geopolitical changes as well as developments at the national level. The self-evident nature of energy security and energy affordability is under pressure. The termination of production from the Groningen gas field, combined with the earlier loss of pipeline gas from Russia, has resulted in a reduction in supply. This has been offset partly by demand reduction and partly by the supply of LNG. Thanks to the robust design of the transport system, GTS remains able to offer sufficient capacity, even in the new reality in which gas flows from west to east. This robustness contributes to the resilience of the Dutch energy system, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

Although the energy transition is progressing more slowly than previously anticipated—and perhaps desired—the need for decarbonisation remains undiminished. For the gas network, it is essential that the injection of sustainable gases, such as biomethane, can be facilitated both now and in the future. Accommodating biomethane is therefore a strategic priority for GTS, and one in which it will continue to invest going forward. GTS works closely with, among others, regional network operators to facilitate biomethane production.This includes the commissioning of biomethane gathering pipelines and biomethane boosters.

In addition to biomethane, hydrogen is expected to play an increasingly important role in the Dutch energy mix in the (near) future. GTS contributes to the development of hydrogen by reusing existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen wherever possible. GTS will transfer these existing natural gas pipelines to HyNetwork Services (HNS).

Next steps

GTS adopts a new investment plan every two years. The next draft investment plan, draft IP2028, is expected to be published in January 2028. Should major investments arise in the interim period that are not included in IP2026, GTS will submit these investments to the market, KGG and the ACM by means of an addendum to the current IP2026.

The final investment plan (IP2026) can be accessed here.