Watermeln’s green hydrogen generator is electrifying the future

Decarbonising the energy sector with green hydrogen

As governments and companies worldwide pursue net-zero goals to address the energy crisis and meet future climate targets, the urgency for creative CO2 reduction solutions is upon us. With initiatives like the UN's 2050 net-zero target and Amsterdam's plan to cut 60% of CO2 emissions by 2030, the spotlight is set on innovations that can deliver environmental benefits while solving pressing challenges that face the world’s energy sector. 

Among Dutch frontrunners of this quest is Watermeln. An Amsterdam-based startup that’s redefining the energy scene with mobile green hydrogen generators to provide sustainable power in areas lacking reliable grid access. Onsite a summer festival in Amsterdam, I amsterdam joined Jeff Wezel, co-founder of Watermeln, to witness their state-of-the-art hydrogen units in action and to see how their technology is shaping the future of the energy transition.

Planting the seed that grew into Watermeln

Founded in 2021, Watermeln was born from a shared interest between co-founders Jeff Wezel and Jasper Baltus. Friends since childhood, the two interned together at a startup specialising in electric cars and lithium batteries. After witnessing perfectly good batteries being completely discarded, they started to explore the potential of battery technology and renewable energy. 

This realisation sparked the inception of Watermeln. With their expertise in battery power, Jeff and Jasper started repurposing old batteries to supply energy to small events and mobile businesses in off-grid locations, such as powering small festivals and food trucks.

Making diesel obsolete

From the beginning, Jeff and Jasper have been honing their technology to harness green hydrogen in mobile units for locations that lack a reliable grid connection. Think of Watermeln as the zero-emission alternative to traditional hybrid diesel generators. 

Jeff explains that hydrogen generators were necessary to eliminate diesel at locations with grid connections that need extra power or were off-grid. In the past, a diesel generator produced energy, and the battery provided peak power. Jeff asked Jasper the critical question: "Can hydrogen replace diesel generators?" 

This became the defining moment for Watermeln says Jeff. This fundamental question underpins Watermelon's mission to make diesel generators obsolete by using hydrogen and battery technology. The hydrogen unit would provide additional power for festivals, construction sites, and companies while eliminating emissions and producing only water as a by-product.

The Watermeln unit innovatively generates electricity and heat using a hydrogen fuel cell, avoiding combustion. It incorporates a battery for peak power and supply-demand balance, stores hydrogen at high pressure, and produces hydrogen by splitting water with renewable electricity. This process ensures a fully sustainable, emission-free energy chain, making it a game changer.

Watermeln's units also incorporate advanced technology for proactive maintenance and real-time insights. Jeff mentions

A plug-and-play energy solution

Festivals are a key focus for Watermeln, as they significantly impact the environment through high carbon emissions from fossil-fuel power generators, equipment transport, and travel of artists and attendees.

Amsterdam, known for its vibrant festival scene and commitment to emission-free events, is at the forefront of this change. Events like DGTL have led the way in integrating innovative solutions, including Watermeln’s green hydrogen generators. These festivals provide a unique platform to showcase how Watermeln's technology operates in real-world settings.

The future of Watermeln

As we near the end of our conversation, Jeff emphasises that financing hydrogen requires visionary investors who dare to see the bigger picture and take bold steps. “It's not like oil, where you can find customers around any corner,” he adds. 

To keep the momentum up for the hydrogen transition and continue shaping a diesel-free future, Jeff reassures, “We're broadening our scope to include everything from regulation knowledge to investing in hydrogen tanks and transportation, ensuring our solution is truly plug-and-play.” 

When asked for his final thoughts or words of advice for other impact-driven entrepreneurs, Jeff smiles and says: