'From Heavenn to Sustainable Hydrogen Valleys' at COP27

Impact by design

The report examines the impact Hydrogen Valleys can have on countries and regions and how this can positively influence Dutch trade relations. The report focuses on HEAVENN (Hydrogen Energy Applications in Valley Environments for Northern Netherlands), a multi-year programme for the development of a hydrogen value chain in the region Noord-Nederland and adds one more important success factor: “Impact by design”. An important factor that makes the establishment of Sustainable Hydrogen Valleys possible.

The Netherlands as a driver of the energy transition

During a panel discussion at COP27, Patrick Cnubben, Director of Hydrogen Strategy at New Energy Coalition, explains that the Netherlands can play a leading role in the energy transition by helping other countries establish Sustainable Hydrogen Valleys and giving them the opportunity to learn from HEAVENN and the Netherlands' extensive experience in molecules and green hydrogen. "Hydrogen Valleys are becoming a European success story; now, with the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into their development, we are moving to the next level. This success can be globalised, because it combines the development of Hydrogen Valleys with the much-desired Just Transition principles," says Cnubben.

Ann Abheiden, Director at Impact Hydrogen, explains: "Creating Sustainable Hydrogen Valleys revolves around a combination of technological innovation, establishing a facilitating environment (including financing, regulations, and human capital), and contributing to the sustainable development of the region. Once this is properly established, producing green hydrogen is a double-edged sword: it brings economic growth to the region where it is produced and secures international trade relations related to green hydrogen."

The Netherlands can play a key role in this by 1) establishing contractual terms that align with a Sustainable Hydrogen Valley approach and 2) ensuring that the trade agreement focuses on creating mutual benefits. The Netherlands can serve as a knowledge expert by leveraging the advanced expertise built up through the implementation of HEAVENN. Key next steps in accelerating the global transition to green hydrogen include establishing Hydrogen Hubs, local hydrogen offices in countries with which the Netherlands trades.

'From Heavenn to Sustainable Hydrogen Valleys'

The report also addresses HEAVENN's success factors and lessons learned, Impact by Design and what it takes to implement it, financing options, partnerships, political acceleration, and societal engagement.

The report was commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to support Mission Innovation's Hydrogen initiative.

About co-author Impact Hydrogen

Impact Hydrogenis a project organisation that designs the hydrogen value chain in such a way that it contributes to regional development and provides advice on hydrogen (chains) and hydrogen trading.