Collaboration in the chain in Noord-Holland Noord

To remain a global leader in the hydrogen sector, NHN, New Energy Coalition and the North Sea Canal Area have jointly applied for Hydrogen Valley status. A Hydrogen Valley is a region or area focused on developing and implementing a hydrogen economy. It encompasses a network of hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and application facilities, as well as an ecosystem of companies and research institutions focused on developing hydrogen technologies and applications. The region is expected to be awarded Hydrogen Valley status and, starting in 2030, will play a significant role in the supply of hydrogen from the North Sea to the North Sea Canal Area and beyond.

A green hydrogen chain in the port of Den Helder

We are currently seeing the first integrated hydrogen value chains emerge. A good example is the project ZepHYros, that is working on the development of a fully green hydrogen supply chain in the port of Den Helder. This chain consists of a solar farm with an electrolyser for generating green hydrogen, infrastructure for hydrogen transport, and the construction of a bunkering port (shipping) and a fueling station (freight). Additionally, a hydrogen pilot project has been established where potential users and other stakeholders in the chain can experience hydrogen-powered shipping. This allows them to make an informed decision, based on their own experiences and experiments, to incorporate hydrogen into their future operations.

Hydrogen-powered mobility in the Wieringermeer

Besides shipping, we also see hydrogen-powered mobility on Dutch roads increasing. As part of the DUWAALin the Wieringermeer project HYGRO has begun implementing the "Wind to Wheel" chain to kick-start the transition to green mobility. For a smooth transition to a hydrogen economy, HYGRO anticipates that supply and demand must be met simultaneously, or DUWAAL. By aligning the entire value chain, efficiency gains can be achieved, accelerating the chain's implementation. The first steps are currently being taken. It won't be long before local hydrogen supply for both business and private use becomes a reality in the region.

Circular fuel in Alkmaar

A little further on, on the Boekelermeer industrial estate in Alkmaar, HyDevCo is about to take the stage at the newly constructed InVesta-site. In collaboration with Haffner Energy, this company wants to use a thermolysis-based process called HyNoCa (HYDROGEN NO CARBON), converting organic waste streams into hydrogen. The unique aspect of this process is that, in addition to hydrogen, biochar is also produced. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that can be used, for example, as a soil improver. It captures CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil. The additional revenue from biochar can minimise the cost of hydrogen.

Right next to the InVesta site we find the new NXT gas station GP GreatIn addition to building a hydrogen filling station, GP Groot also wants to make its own vehicle fleet more sustainable by purchasing five hydrogen-electric company vans. It's no coincidence that HyDevCo and GP Groot operate alongside each other in Alkmaar. They want to work together to close their own value chain. GP Groot is the intended supplier of organic waste streams for HyDevCo. After processing the waste streams, the hydrogen will be sold to the market via the NXT filling station and used to supply its own vehicles. Literally and figuratively, circular fuel.

The program Agri-Fieldlab Hydrogen NHN

There are also many hydrogen purchasing opportunities within the agricultural sector. The question that concerns many farmers in Noord-Holland Noord is how the current energy demand can be made more sustainable and how this renewable energy can be optimally utilised in an area affected by grid congestion. Hydrogen could be the energy carrier that brings these two issues together. To test these questions in practice, work is underway in the region on the H2 Agri-FieldlabNHN.

Liquid hydrogen as an alternative

The hydrogen applications we have discussed so far relate to gaseous hydrogen. However, despite its many advantages, there is also a drawback: its low volumetric energy density. The energy content of hydrogen, per volume, is significantly lower than that of most other fuels and energy carriers. This means that storing or using hydrogen at atmospheric pressure and temperature requires a relatively large amount of space.

One solution is liquid hydrogen. By liquefying hydrogen, its low volumetric energy density can be increased. This almost triples compared to storage at 350 bar. This makes the storage, transport, and use of hydrogen much easier.

The first practical application for liquid hydrogen in Noord-Holland Noord is the collaboration between Van Dam en Tata Steel, who want to develop an emission-free ship that will be supplied with liquid hydrogen. This collaboration illustrates that the market is ready for the transition to liquid hydrogen. Hopefully, this will serve as a catalyst for further acceleration towards sustainable shipping.

Collaboration in the value chain

The projects and initiatives mentioned illustrate how collaboration within the value chain is essential for the successful deployment of hydrogen. To create an innovative, strong, and ambitious collaborative environment, WaterstofNHN set up. WaterstofNHN is the platform for everyone involved with hydrogen in Noord-Holland NoordThe platform brings together companies, organisations, knowledge institutions, and government agencies. By exchanging knowledge and connecting the right stakeholders, we can work together to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy.

Collaborate?

Are you interested in a collaboration in Noord-Holland Noord? Feel free to contact our regional manager.