The Netherlands announces quarter billion for hydrogen projects

€250 million new funding for advances in hydrogen production

Recently, the Dutch government allocated nearly €250 million to the Subsidy Scheme for Scaling up fully renewable hydrogen production via electrolysis (OWE). The funding aims to support companies grappling with the high costs associated with hydrogen production, particularly in the early stages of this technology's development. 

This initiative will see seven projects funded to create green hydrogen. These include H2 Hollandia (Nieuw-Buinen), Hysolar (Nieuwegein), Groengas asset (Amsterdam), Groengas asset (Groningen), RWE Eemshydrogen (Eemshaven), Van Kessel Olie (Oude Tonge), and VoltH2 (Delfzijl).

Groengas Asset Amsterdam is among the seven companies to receive a subsidy for developing renewable (sustainable) hydrogen with an electrolyser. The projects provide hydrogen to industries like the chemical sector and fuel stations, and sustainable electricity for electrolysis is sourced directly from a solar installation, alleviating strain on the overloaded power grid.

Through the grant scheme, these companies will gain valuable experience, paving the way for increased hydrogen production capacity. The seven projects have until 2028 to complete their schemes, collectively contributing 101 megawatts of electrolysis capacity.

Why is Green Hydrogen so important in the transition to renewables?

Also known as renewable hydrogen, green hydrogen is obtained by electrolysis of water, involving splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by using electricity. Crucially, this process is powered entirely by renewable energy, generating no polluting emissions into the atmosphere and is the most sustainable form of hydrogen.As the Netherlands strives to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 in alignment with European climate targets, green hydrogen emerges as a promising alternative to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas and plays a pivotal role in the transition to renewables.

Amsterdam already a key player in the green hydrogen transition

Amsterdam, long at the forefront of sustainable energy initiatives, continues to solidify its position as a hub for green hydrogen innovation. From housing one of Europe's largest hydrogen plants at its Port to fostering collaboration through entities like the H2A association, the city is actively paving the way for green energy transitions. The recent funding injection into Groengas Asset further cements the region’s readiness in the global renewable energy transition.

Read more about the energy and cleantech landscape in Amsterdam