Five years of the Regional Deal: Kop van Noord-Holland celebrates successes during the closing event

Hydrogen, maritime technologies and human capital

The regional deal, which launched in 2018 with a five million euro subsidy from the national government and the same amount of co-financing from the region, has resulted in significant progress on three key themes: hydrogen economy, maritime technologies, and human capital.

During the closing event on October 16th, METIP in the port of Den Helder celebrated the results achieved and the steps needed to realize the region's vision for the future. Mark Boeree kicked off the meeting, after which speakers such as Robert Lever, alderman of Hollands Kroon, and Provincial Executive Member Esther Rommel emphasized the importance of the Regional Deal. Provincial Executive Member Rommel stated: “Today we go back in time, but the focus is mainly on the future.”

According to Natalie Burgers, Program Director of Regional Deals at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, it is essential that regions take charge of their own development: "It's important for the national government to consider what the region needs from within. The power of grassroots is unparalleled."

North Holland is developing into a hydrogen region

With the help of the Regional Deal, the hydrogen economy in North Holland has gained momentum. The region received official European recognition as a hydrogen hub in 2023. Hydrogen Valley and was declared Hydrogen Valley of the YearDen Helder serves as the epicenter of this development, largely due to its strategic location on the North Sea and the upcoming arrival of offshore energy.

Led by New Energy Coalition and Development Company Noord-Holland Noord Dozens of projects have been launched within the Regional Deal, forming the foundation of the new hydrogen economy in the Kop van Noord-Holland region. For example, H2 Gateway is preparing the construction of a blue hydrogen plant on the former NAM site in Den Helder, and a wind turbine that directly produces hydrogen is being tested in Wieringermeer. Projects like H2-Maritiem Den Helder, focused on the technical and commercial validation and demonstration of hydrogen innovations in the maritime sector; Cryogenic Innovation, which converts gaseous hydrogen into liquid form to make transport and storage more efficient; and the sustainability of shore-based power facilities in the port, also contribute to the development of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem for maritime and industrial applications.

In addition, the Regional Deal led to research into a hydrogen bunkering facility in Den Helder, and initiatives for hydrogen in the agro-logistics and bulb sectors were initiated. For example, Sturm Jacobs Contracting is investigating how machines currently running on diesel can be replaced by hydrogen-powered vehicles. Funding from the Regional Deal enabled the contracting company to invest in a hydrogen generator. This generator will be used for applications currently using diesel generators, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

The region's aviation sector is also taking steps. Gerrie Mosch of Cryoworld explains the progress in the test phase of hydrogen-powered aircraft, where challenges related to energy storage and distribution are being addressed for the first time. Projects like H2Fly utilize the high energy density of liquid hydrogen for future long-haul flights.

The financing from the regional deal also has the H2 Knowledge Café made possible by the Development Company Noord-Holland Noord en New Energy CoalitionThe H2Kenniscafé serves as a platform for knowledge exchange about hydrogen within the region. From production to storage and streamlining the permitting process, by connecting the triple helix during the meetings, the H2Kenniscafé has significantly accelerated the development of the hydrogen economy in the Kop van Noord-Holland region.

Frank Bransen, Hydrogen Economy Program Manager at the Regional Deal, reflects:
It took about twenty years for wind energy to gain a full place in our energy system. Integrating hydrogen also requires time, vision, and perseverance. Thanks to the Regional Deal, we've made enormous strides in the past five years, from research and innovation to real projects that deliver tangible results. Let's maintain this momentum and continue building a sustainable and strong region together.

Technological innovations strengthen the maritime cluster

The maritime cluster has received a strong technological boost over the past five years. Innovations like AyeAye's smart onboard computer, which converts measuring instruments into simulations in real time and makes predictions using AI, and various drone initiatives, many of which focus on supporting offshore activities, demonstrate how new technologies are transforming the maritime field. SimCenMar, the simulation center for the Ministry of Defence, also contributes to advanced training and operational preparation for the navy.

Paul Verbruggen reflected: “What I didn't know five years ago is how quickly new technologies would develop.”

Development and retention of knowledge as a driving force behind regional innovation

Mark Boeree emphasizes that the development of the hydrogen economy and maritime technologies is highly dependent on people's expertise and skills. Initiatives like the Techpark and the Post-HBO Energy Transition program prepare young talent for careers in the maritime sector and the hydrogen economy. The goal is to strengthen the regional labor market and improve the connection between education, research, and business.

Celebrated successes, undiminished ambitions

Esther Rommel concludes: "The most important thing is that in the Kop van Noord-Holland region, things have mainly been done, not just thought up. Thanks to the Regional Deal, a solid foundation has been laid for a strong technological sector and an economically vibrant, livable region."

The current Regional Deal in the Kop van Noord-Holland region has been extended until the end of 2026 to further support ongoing initiatives. Simultaneously, work is underway on the new Regional Deal NHN, which will expand the area to the entire region. Noord-Holland Noord and, through the Better Learning, Better Living, and Better Working program lines, connects education, the labor market, the living environment, economic development, and energy. The outcome of the application procedure, which runs until November 1st, will determine which projects will receive support. It is clear that Noord-Holland NoordBuilding on the successes achieved in the Kop, this scope focuses on projects that reinforce each other and make a concrete contribution to the broad prosperity in the region.

For all results and an overview of the initiatives of the Regional Deal Kop van Noord-Holland, please visit kopregio.nl.