The Netherlands has recently received the final approval for a project aiming to heat homes using green hydrogen.
After a year-long delay, the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has given the green light to a project by gas distributor Rendo. The initiative involves distributing hydrogen to homes in the Erflanden district of Hoogeveen and a new housing development called Nijstad-Oost.
In Erflanden, a hydrogen pipeline network has been established, with the first batch of homes already retrofitted to run on hydrogen. The project includes replacing natural gas stoves with electric induction hobs, installing hydrogen boilers, and utilizing hybrid heat pumps. Despite initial delays, the first 12 homes are expected to be fully connected to the hydrogen network this summer.
The approval extends to Nijstad-Oost, where yet-to-be-built homes will be equipped with hydrogen connections. This expansion marks a significant milestone, paving the way for integrating hydrogen heating into new residential constructions.
The project in Hoogeveen marks the third hydrogen heating pilot in the Netherlands. Previous initiatives in Lochem and Wagenborgen have provided valuable insights into the feasibility and challenges of hydrogen heating. These experiences serve as benchmarks for evaluating the success of the current endeavor.
The hydrogen conversion project has received financial support from Heavenn, an EU-backed Dutch initiative focused on demonstrating hydrogen production, distribution, storage, and end-use in clusters. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing hydrogen technologies.
