Collaborating on hydrogen in agribusiness
On July 15, 2021, the 'H2 in Agri Deal' was signed. With this, Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Noord-Holland Noord (ONHN), New Energy Coalition and Greenport Noord-Holland Noord (GPNHN) want to further expand their collaboration. In this way, they will shape the energy transition within the NHN region, and in particular Noord-Holland Noord to position as a test bed for hydrogen chains in agribusiness.
The collective wants to focus on the development of pilots and practical applications of hydrogen in agribusiness in Noord-Holland Noord, so that knowledge about the application possibilities is increased and the foundation is laid for a hydrogen chain.
Regional deal Maritime Cluster Kop van Noord-Holland is the basis
The regional deal focuses on realising a hydrogen economy in the Kop van Noord-Holland region. Agribusiness has emerged as a sector with opportunities for both hydrogen generation and its application. For example, it can serve as a diesel replacement for tractors and heavy-duty vehicles, replace natural gas, and alleviate bottlenecks in the electricity grid. Furthermore, surplus solar and wind energy can be used to produce hydrogen, enabling temporary energy storage. This allows for better absorption of peaks and troughs in energy generation and consumption. ONHN, New Energy Coalition and Greenport want to work together to make these opportunities concrete for entrepreneurs.
Hydrogen applications require new answers
Entrepreneurs now see hydrogen as an interesting alternative, but they are looking for certainty, knowledge, and experience before they are willing to commit. Currently, there is no infrastructure for supplying hydrogen, there is virtually no practical knowledge in agribusiness, and the supply of machines that can run on hydrogen is still limited. By organising and conducting practical research and pilot projects to gain practical experience and knowledge, ONHN, New Energy Coalition and Greenport are accelerating the introduction of hydrogen in agriculture. They are seeking valuable partners based on their own expertise and networks.
First project: Hydrogen mill (Hygro) and hydrogen tractor (EOX)
A pilot project that the consortium is currently working on, is implementing a pilot programme for hydrogen production for use in tractors on the land. This involves locally generating hydrogen using Hygro's hydrogen turbine (located at the TNO test site in Wieringermeer). This hydrogen will be sold via Avia-Marees and used in H2Trac's EOX tractor. Contractor Sturm-Jacobs and agricultural research center Vertify are involved in testing the tractor's practical application.
Noord-Holland Noord as a test bed for H2 in Agri
After the start of the pilot project, OHNH, New Energy Coalition and Greenport to continue to take action.
The agribusiness in Noord-Holland Noord is incredibly innovative, and a leading position in the application of hydrogen is a perfect fit. We're already seeing many entrepreneurs eager to get started with hydrogen. However, an integrated approach is essential: the infrastructure and regulations must be in order, entrepreneurs must have knowledge and experience, and assurances about the reliability of the machines and delivery. Moreover, it's crucial that personnel are available to maintain the new machines and infrastructure. With the collaboration with Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Noord-Holland Noord en New Energy Coalition we can organise this. We are pooling the necessary knowledge and networks to jointly establish the region as a testbed for hydrogen applications in agribusiness and accelerate the energy transition within this sector.
- Jeroen Noot, programme manager Greenport NHN
Contact
Would you like more information about the collaboration on hydrogen in agribusiness? Feel free to contact our regional manager.