Investment plan makes the Netherlands a hydrogen leader
The Dutch northern region presents a €9 billion hydrogen investment plan, aiming to create thousands of jobs and more than 50 projects. The region aims to be a leader in the hydrogen transition.
Today, Dutch northern companies and governments are presenting their hydrogen investment plan to various members of the national House of Representatives. The plan includes investments of up to EUR 9 billion. The plans could help preserve approximately 66.000 existing jobs in areas such as gas infrastructure and mobility, and would create 25.000 (in 2030) to 41.000 (in 2050) new jobs in work fields such as maintenance and operations. The northern region aims to play a pioneering role in this area, to be followed by national and European implementations. The companies are ready to jointly develop more than 50 projects across the entire value chain (production, transport/storage, and consumption). The plans will be implemented in phases. To develop the plans, the government will need to provide additional offshore wind capacity, a regulatory framework, and financial support in 2021.
Investments in Noord-Nederland region
In recent years, important steps have already been taken and a lot has been invested in hydrogen in the region.
International companies such as Engie, Equinor, Gasunie, RWE, Shell, and Vattenfall, as well as SMEs, have increasingly committed to various hydrogen projects. Regional and local governments have increased their commitment to realize the hydrogen chain.
Support and facilitate
The stakeholders in the North are asking national politicians to support and facilitate these billion-euros investments. New regulations and financing are needed to facilitate developments and accelerate the construction of offshore wind farms. Furthermore, the stakeholders emphasize that they are committed to the development of green hydrogen at the highest political level, not only in and for the benefit of the region itself, but especially nationwide and at European level. The experience and investments in Noord-Nederland - Hydrogen Valleyas a testing ground – are the prelude to a national implementation and pivotal role for the Netherlands in Europe.
Greening industry and mobility
Green hydrogen will be a key component of sustainable energy use in the future and essential for greening industry and mobility. This makes it an attractive emerging industry with not only global, but also regional and local benefits. Green hydrogen as a raw material and fuel is necessary to achieve Dutch and global climate goals while simultaneously improving air quality.
New hydrogen industry
The Netherlands holds a leading position in the European gas industry. Our knowledge and experience give us a strong starting point to accelerate hydrogen developments and lead this emerging industry. A leading Dutch hydrogen industry has the potential to attract international companies, investments, and talent.
Hydrogen Valley of Europe
Noord-Nederland has fully committed itself to the development of hydrogen eco-systems in recent years.
It has also received European recognition (FCH JU) and is now considered the leading Hydrogen Valley in Europe: a fully-fledged ecosystem of green hydrogen, from production and transport to use in industry, mobility, and the built environment. The unique characteristics of Noord-Nederland Contributing to this are: a large potential for large-scale wind energy, sufficient locations for production, an existing gas infrastructure, access to the market and knowledge of and experience with the transport and trading of gases.
Especially now that the economy needs a boost and climate targets are being tightened, hydrogen offers an opportunity for the Netherlands to make the transition from natural gas to sustainable energy.
