The Belgian government has issued a new tender titled “VKhyLab – National Hydrogen Test Center in Antwerp and Charleroi.” Published on August 5, 2024, the tender seeks bids for constructing this pivotal infrastructure, with submissions due by September 30, 2024.

The tender’s primary objective is to establish a testing facility for hydrogen technologies in two key locations: Antwerp and Charleroi. This center will serve as a hub for innovation, allowing businesses and researchers to develop, test, and validate new hydrogen-based solutions. Such an initiative is crucial for Belgium’s energy transition, as it strives to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.

Key requirements include the construction of advanced laboratories equipped with the latest technology for hydrogen production, storage, and utilization testing. The successful bidder will need to demonstrate expertise in handling high-pressure hydrogen systems, ensuring safety standards are meticulously followed.

Additionally, the center will feature simulation environments for real-world scenarios, enabling comprehensive testing ranging from small-scale prototypes to commercial-ready products. This will accelerate the market readiness of hydrogen technologies, fostering their integration into various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.

The tender also stipulates that bidders must provide a detailed project timeline and budget, along with proof of prior experience in similar projects. Technical requirements emphasize the importance of implementing cutting-edge safety measures, including automated monitoring systems to detect and respond to potential hydrogen leaks promptly.

Interested parties must ensure their proposals align with the tender specifications and submit them before the September 30 deadline.