Hydrogen in the energy system
Hydrogen has played a role in Dutch industry for decades. As we transition to a more sustainable energy supply, new applications are also being explored. The question is not whether hydrogen is suitable for use everywhere, but where it can contribute to a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy system. Read this article to learn how hydrogen can contribute to sustainability, and the role it can play in the Netherlands.
Making hydrogen use more sustainable
Much of the hydrogen currently used by businesses is grey hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas. This production process releases CO2, which is often emitted into the atmosphere.
That is why efforts are being made in the Netherlands to find ways to limit these emissions so long as natural gas is still used as a feedstock. One example of this is the capture and storage of CO2. In the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Gasunie and EBN are partnering on Porthos, a project for transporting and storing CO2 beneath the North Sea. The hydrogen production process would not change, but the CO2 it releases would be captured and stored.
Another approach would be to switch to sustainable production. Hydrogen would then be produced using electricity and water, without fossil fuels and without direct CO2 emissions. This is called green hydrogen.
The specific role of hydrogen in the Netherlands
Hydrogen plays different roles in various countries and energy systems. The Netherlands has specific characteristics that determine where hydrogen serves a necessary function. This also forms the foundation for developing a hydrogen network.
Energy storage for longer periods
The Dutch energy system is subject to large seasonal variations. Energy demand is higher in winter than in summer, while the production of sustainable electricity can fluctuate. The Netherlands has virtually no large-scale potential for hydropower. This means creating a fully CO2-free energy system requires us to store energy for longer periods.
Dutch grid operators have developed joint scenarios based on an energy system in which electricity and renewable gases complement each other. Hydrogen can play a role in this as an energy carrier for storage and flexibility over longer periods.
Sustainable fuels for aviation and shipping
The Netherlands plays a key role in international aviation and shipping, two areas where electric alternatives are not widely available. Hydrogen is particularly relevant here as a feedstock for sustainable fuels. Other options, such as biofuels, do exist but may be too scarce to meet total demand. In such cases, hydrogen can fill the gap.
Raw material for the chemical industry
The Netherlands has a relatively large chemical industry with strong international links. Many chemical processes require a molecular raw material, and hydrogen can serve this purpose in the production of chemical materials and products. Given the size and interconnectedness of this sector in the Netherlands, hydrogen is particularly relevant as a raw material.
Process energy in industry
Hydrogen can also be used as a fuel in industrial processes where direct electrification is not feasible. Examples include segments of the steel industry and processes that require very high temperatures, as in the glass and ceramics sectors. These applications either require a molecular energy carrier or lack the electricity grid capacity needed to support direct electrification.
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