Kamerbrief onderzoeksrapport waterstofkwaliteit

In the consultation, market parties indicated that they were not in favour of an adjustment after several years because adjustments result in additional costs. The majority of respondents also expressed a preference for a minimum purity percentage of 99.5% or higher. In response, the minister asked KIWA and DNV to issue a further opinion setting out the criteria in one go. The research now published by KIWA and DNV shows that applying a 99.5% purity requirement results in (slightly) lower costs in the chain than applying a 98% purity requirement.

It is important for the creation of an integrated European hydrogen market that criteria be harmonised. Our neighbouring countries are also still discussing the quality criteria. Thus, the minister wants to continue discussions with them in the coming months, with the report in hand, in order to arrive at harmonised criteria based on a minimum purity of 99.5%. The minister has now decided to take extra time to step up the discussions with neighbouring countries. Rather than establishing the quality criteria now, he will address that in a few months’ time.

Joost Hooghiem (Project Director, Hynetwork Services): ‘Hynetwork Services is realising the hydrogen network to connect the major Dutch industrial clusters with each other and with the rest of Europe. To create the hydrogen market, it is vital that we come together into one working entity. We recognise that an early definitive choice is important for hydrogen producers and customers, but we are also pleased that considerable attention is being paid to coordination with neighbouring countries. For us, the higher quality standard is achievable. This applies to the new pipelines, but also to the reused natural gas pipelines we are using for the hydrogen network.’

Read the letter to parliament and the research report.