NEN 3650-6: A milestone for the future of pipeline infrastructure in the Netherlands

The publication of NEN 3650-6 marks a significant and long-awaited milestone for the Dutch pipeline industry. This new addition to the well-known NEN 3650 series enables broader and safer adoption of non-metallic pipeline systems, such as Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes (RTP), in onshore gas and liquid transport.

A complete framework for Non-Metallics

NEN 3650-6 is the first Dutch standard to specifically address spoolable Reinforced Themoplastic Pipe systems within the context of national regulations. It complements the existing NEN 3650 series, which governs the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of pipelines in the Netherlands, by providing a clear and consistent framework for non-metallic alternatives.

This includes guidelines and requirements covering:

• Structural design and integrity
• Material specifications and technical performance
• Installation methods and jointing techniques
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance
• External safety zones and risk assessments
• Integration into permitting and legal frameworks

With the addition of NEN 3650-6, the NEN 3650 series now forms a complete regulatory framework for implementing RTP systems in a wide range of infrastructure applications.

A foundation for scalable, future-proof pipeline projects

Until now, the lack of a dedicated standard made it difficult to specify and permit RTP systems for large-scale projects, even though they offer well-established advantages:

• Faster and simpler installation
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Lightweight and modular design
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership and environmental impact
• Any installation method

With NEN 3650-6, project developers, regulators and engineering firms finally have the regulatory clarity and technical confidence needed to implement non-metallic pipeline systems across a wide range of applications at scale, including:

• Hydrogen infrastructure
• CO₂ and (renewable) gas transport
• Temporary pipelines
• Pipelines in environmentally sensitive or remote areas

In practical terms, this opens the door to faster deployment of flexible pipeline infrastructure (for applications like hydrogen and CO₂) with greater cost-efficiency over the full lifecycle. Thus, this standard is more than a technical update, it’s a fundamental enabler of infrastructure modernization and the energy transition.

The importance of certification and QA/QC

Compliance with NEN 3650-6 starts with the use of an internationally certified product, such as one certified under API 15S or DNV-ST-F119. Without such certification, compliance with NEN 3650-6 is not possible. This combination of international certification and NEN 3650-6 provides a robust and formal framework for ensuring the performance and safety of non-metallic systems through proper testing and certification, which ultimately helps to ensure reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.

Having the right certifications and performing the required tests is not just a formality. It’s a core part of delivering solutions that perform under pressure, meet the highest safety standards, and create long-term value.

Looking ahead

As the energy landscape continues to shift toward decarbonization and circularity, pipeline infrastructure must evolve with it. Standards like NEN 3650-6 are essential to that evolution by providing a strong foundation for sustainable, future-ready technologies.

We are proud to contribute to this transformation and to help our partners and customers become more sustainable by embracing the full potential of non-metallic pipeline systems.

Interested in learning more about how SoluForce RTP systems align with NEN 3650-6? Contact us directly!