The Netherlands is fast becoming a hub for renewable energy, particularly in the field of green hydrogen. The country has set ambitious plans to accelerate the energy transition and replace 80% of its energy use that is still dependent on oil and gas.
With its supportive government policies, innovative companies, and strong infrastructure, the Netherlands is well-positioned to make vital advances in hydrogen, driving the transition to a more sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
The country’s expertise in green hydrogen will be on full display at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam from May 9-11, 2023. This international event will bring together government officials, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments and future opportunities in the hydrogen industry. The summit provides an opportunity for the Netherlands to showcase its leadership in the field and learn from other countries about their experiences and best practices in the rapidly evolving world of green hydrogen.
Specialized industry clusters across the Netherlands are innovating in the potential of hydrogen, including the Port of Rotterdam, which is one of the largest ports in Europe. The port is already home to several large-scale green hydrogen projects, with a consortium of Shell, RWE, Groningen Seaports, Equinor, and Gasunie developing Europe’s largest green hydrogen project, combining all aspects of the supply chain to achieve large-scale supply of green hydrogen.
The Netherlands is also home to specialized research facilities like the Faraday open innovation laboratory in Petten, part of the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), which is one of Europe’s largest hydrogen research facilities. The laboratory is aiming to optimize and scale-up existing electrolysis technologies to further develop green hydrogen production.
The Dutch government has set ambitious plans to kickstart large-scale production and widespread use of green hydrogen. The National Hydrogen Program supports the application of hydrogen in various sectors, and the government invests to develop a ‘National Hydrogen Network’ that will be ready by 2031.
The country’s supportive government policies, coupled with its innovative companies, have attracted a growing number of businesses looking to invest in the country’s green hydrogen sector. For example, Pennsylvania-based hydrogen company Air Products recently opened its new project delivery office for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in The Hague, the Netherlands. Additionally, Ørsted, a world leader in offshore wind energy, has ambitions to develop the world’s largest renewable hydrogen plant in the Netherlands with its ‘SeaH2Land’ project.
Despite the positive developments, there are still potential challenges surrounding the development of green hydrogen, such as high production costs, a lack of infrastructure, and regulatory barriers. Nevertheless, the Netherlands has set itself as a leading hub for green hydrogen, and its strong ecosystem of government, industry, and research is working towards overcoming these challenges to drive the energy transition.
In conclusion, the Netherlands’ innovative approach to developing and implementing green hydrogen technology has positioned it as a leader in the field. The country’s supportive government policies, coupled with its innovative companies and strong infrastructure, have enabled it to attract investment and expertise from around the world. The World Hydrogen Summit provides a platform for the Netherlands to showcase its leadership in the field and learn from other countries’ experiences and best practices, ultimately driving the transition to a more sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
