HYGRO has started the first construction phase of a hydrogen turbine on the ECN wind turbine test field Wieringermeer.

HYGRO is able to begin construction with funding from Triodos Bank and sustainable investment institution Meewind. ENERCON supplies the wind turbine as part of the hydrogen turbine.

The project is part of “Duwaal,” a green hydrogen initiative with the Regional Development Agency NHN, among others. This initiative aims to develop green hydrogen distribution regionally. A hydrogen turbine is a wind turbine to which electrolysis is directly connected. Thanks to this integration, both electricity and green hydrogen are provided by the turbine.

This first phase involves the realization of the wind turbine and completing the hydrogen production system project development. The wind turbine is scheduled to become operational in the second quarter of 2021.

The wind turbine and electrolysis remain physically apart throughout the project but will be aligned with each other. This alignment with its related energy losses prevents conversion steps. This is a significant step in making affordable green hydrogen.

At the same time, it helps relieve the region’s already overloaded electricity grid. Furthermore, it solves the issue of sustainable electricity storage.

For this project, ENERCON supplies a 4 MW turbine with a maximum height of 180 meters. 

“We have been working on the green hydrogen production and distribution chain for some time. The preliminary phase was a challenge, as usual with innovations. This next step shows that other parties recognize the solution as well. Together with Triodos Bank and Meewind, we are starting the green hydrogen production and distribution chain.”

Hugo Groenemans, CEO of HYGRO.

We have been a front runner in the financing of sustainable energy projects for years now. The financing of this hydrogen turbine is a logical next step to further accelerate the energy transition.”

Wesley Vedder, Triodos Bank.

“Meewind is convinced that sustainable (green) hydrogen is key for the energy transition in the Netherlands. This investment shows that we, together with our partners are taking the lead to enable the industry, as well as the mobility and agricultural sector to become an emission free sector. We look forward to the investment decision making process for the next phase of the project, aimed at developing a sustainable and local hydrogen chain.”

Willem Smelik, director Meewind.

The research would also show that the electrolysis system itself, alongside the prevented energy losses, is considerably more efficient than is currently believed. Far more hydrogen can be produced with a hydrogen turbine at a much lower cost compared to the plans to link large-scale electrolysis to the electricity grid.

A significant amount of CO2 emissions, noise, NOx, and particulate matter emissions are avoided due to both the performance benefit and the use of green hydrogen in transport.