Maritime Cluster Regional Deal invests in emission-free alternative to diesel generators

The energy transition requires practical solutions for locations where electrification is not a matter of course. With a subsidy of €336.000 from the Regional Deal Maritime Cluster Kop van Noord-Holland set the company Next Generation Machinery (NGM) from Schagen takes the next step in the development of a hydrogen-based bio-methanol generator. The innovation offers an emission-free alternative to traditional diesel generators in sectors including the maritime and agricultural industries.

The grant agreement was signed on May 21 by Fotigui Camara on behalf of the Municipal Executive of the Municipality of Den Helder.

Sustainable charging at locations without grid capacity

The generator makes it possible to charge heavy electrical equipment at locations without a grid connection or in areas experiencing grid congestion. In doing so, the technology addresses a growing challenge within sectors where electrification and sustainability are becoming increasingly urgent, but where available grid capacity is limited.

NGM's solution specifically targets applications in the maritime and agricultural sectors, where mobile power supplies often still rely on fossil fuels. By utilizing bio-methanol and hydrogen technology, a low-emission alternative is created that can be deployed flexibly in remote locations.

This project demonstrates how innovation, hydrogen, and bio-methanol can work together to contribute to a flexible and emission-free energy system. At the same time, it strengthens the development of a regional chain and new economic opportunities in Noord-Holland Noord” said Maarten Deutekom, Program Manager Hydrogen Economy of the Maritime Cluster Regional Deal, on behalf of New Energy Coalition.

Practical application of hydrogen

The investment aligns with the ambitions of the Regional Deal Maritime Cluster Kop van Noord-Holland, in which regional authorities, the province, and the national government collaborate to strengthen broad prosperity and stimulate innovation in the region. A key priority within the Regional Deal is the development of a regional hydrogen economy.

According to Ruud Bakker, CEO of Next Generation Machinery, the emphasis is strongly on practical applicability. “Thanks to this subsidy, we can continue working on a practical solution for charging heavy equipment in locations where the electricity grid offers no solution.”

According to the parties involved, the knowledge and experience gained within the project may also be relevant to other regions and sectors where grid congestion and emission reduction are important themes.

Collaboration as an accelerator of the energy transition

Representatives from various government bodies were present at the signing ceremony. The importance of collaboration between entrepreneurs and public parties to bring innovations into practice more quickly was emphasized.

Alderman Camara calls the project a concrete example of regional innovative power: “With this Regio Deal subsidy, we are investing in an innovation that demonstrates how hydrogen can be applied in practice. It is a concrete example of how we are working on a sustainable economy, new employment, and solutions for current challenges such as grid congestion in the Kop van Noord-Holland.”