The importance of hydrogen in the Zeeland port area and across the border
‘The hydrogen network is bringing positive developments to the entire region, and we need to make them even more visible to residents.’
Hynetwork (a subsidiary of Gasunie) is building a hydrogen network in the southwest of the Netherlands. That network will be used to supply industry in Zeeland with hydrogen and make it more sustainable. We spoke to Maarten den Dekker, executive board member at North Sea Port, about the importance of the hydrogen network for the region.
Maarten, what is your role at North Sea Port?
‘I’ve been working at North Sea Port for almost seven years and am now a member of the executive board. I am involved in everything related to sustainability, which includes hydrogen. From the very beginning, I have been involved in the plans for the hydrogen pipeline in the southwest Netherlands and with the connection to Belgium, a major link for our port area. I am also director of Smart Delta Resources in the Netherlands. This is a collaboration between industry, the government, grid operators and research institutions in the region, in which Gasunie is also involved. Combining these two roles is challenging but very enjoyable. As a Zeeland native, it’s important to me to contribute to large sustainable developments in the region.’
What role does North Sea Port play in the energy transition and in making industry more sustainable?
‘North Sea Port is an industrial port, and we emit quite a lot of CO2. For years, we have been working to reduce those emissions and make raw materials more sustainable. We do this by building new infrastructure in collaboration with grid operators such as Gasunie. We also encourage the entry of new businesses that can contribute to sustainability. Examples include hydrogen import or production and renewable fuel production (pyrolysis) for sectors such as aviation. These could also be companies with circular activities, such as plastic recycling and reuse of CO2 or residual heat. As a port, we play an important role in connecting businesses: we put them in contact with each other.’
What is the importance of hydrogen for the region?
‘Hydrogen plays a crucial role in both energy and resource transitions. Together, North Sea Port and the industry in the port area form the largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux region. The demand for hydrogen is already very high and will only increase. Now, all that is still grey hydrogen with a lot of CO2 emissions. Green hydrogen can enable us to make products such as green plastics, steel and fuels. A lot of things come together in our port area. There is demand for hydrogen from industry. And there is already quite a supply: there are many plans to import hydrogen and use electricity to produce green hydrogen. The latter is a logical step because the port area is where the electricity generated by offshore wind turbines comes ashore. Imports often involve ammonia, for example at the Sloehaven, Vlissingen and Borsele. Ammonia is converted back to hydrogen and transported through Gasunie’s hydrogen network. It is used locally and some is also transported to the hinterland.’
Why is the hydrogen network important?
‘It will allow us to connect supply and demand in our entire area, from Vlissingen to Ghent. You will achieve this together with Fluxys. The first border crossing for hydrogen will be at Sas van Gent/Zelzate. That will ensure, for example, that a factory in Vlissingen can do business with a factory in Ghent, or that an importer in Vlissingen can deliver to a buyer in Terneuzen. The hydrogen network is also important because it keeps us in a strong position. The hydrogen networks of the Netherlands and Belgium will provide important connections to Germany, France and other countries where there is also demand for hydrogen.'
Is Zeeland leading the way in hydrogen?
‘People often do not realise how active our region is with hydrogen. Zeeland has quite a few hydrogen projects. For instance, more than 1.5 years ago, Zeeland could boast the most signed Expressions of Interest (EoIs). By signing an EoI, companies can indicate their interest in connecting to the hydrogen network. The number of EoIs here surprised many people because hydrogen is usually linked to Rotterdam or Groningen. I think it’s important for our activities to be visible. But Zeeland is not the only important region. We industry clusters need each other to realise the hydrogen network in the Netherlands and the connections to Belgium and Germany. So it’s good that other industry clusters are also developing; strong neighbours are very important.’
As a port authority, what challenges are you facing in the region and how do you respond to them?
‘There are a lot of energy projects in our region. Sometimes, it’s difficult for an outsider to understand how they are all connected. That’s why it is important that the organisations working on those projects work together to provide clarity on this to people in the surrounding area. A strong and sustainable port and industrial cluster create prosperity in the region. Together, we can make sure the benefits of these projects also go to the local community. Think jobs, better amenities and economic growth. Then the local cinema can stay open, the library can expand, and the bakery on the corner can keep baking delicious bread. We need to contribute to those positive developments for the region, and we need to make them visible to residents.’
And what challenges do you see for the hydrogen network?
‘Keeping to schedule is a challenge. Will it all work out on time with permits? And what about nitrogen policy and land acquisition? Working methodically is important, especially to avoid having to dig up the land again in just a few years. We may have an idea of the future now, but it could look very different in three years’ time. And that’s a big challenge for projects like Hydrogen Network Southwest Netherlands.’
What energises you the most?
‘That those projects that have a positive impact on the region where I was born and raised are actually becoming a reality. For instance, the border connection between Hydrogen Network Netherlands and Belgium, a collaboration between Gasunie and Fluxys. Or the green hydrogen production plant that VoltH2 is going to build. And the new lock in Terneuzen. These are big projects that mean a lot to the port, to industry and, ultimately, to the widespread prosperity of the area. That’s what you do it for, and I’m proud of that too.’
Do you have any questions or comments for us?
‘Compliments to Gasunie! We have been working together very intensely and pleasantly recently, also to make the connection with Fluxys. A very fine adventure with a great result. The hydrogen network will help facilitate other projects that need the infrastructure. You are a crucial link and you are aware of that. Now it’s up to you to build the network on time. And I have every confidence in that!’
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