H2avennet on its way to the first large-scale, regional hydrogen network for industry in the Netherlands

The foundation is in place: the design has been finalized, the costs are clear, and preparations for permits have started. To proceed to realization, a first feed-in to the network is now required. This will clarify the starting point for the development of the network, allowing it to grow into one of the first large-scale, regional hydrogen networks for industry in the Netherlands and serve as an example for other regions.

During the H2A Symposium, Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen (Executive Director New Business Port of Amsterdam) and Rob van der Horst (Director Alliander Next Grid), in the presence of Gerda van der Landen (CFO Port of Amsterdam), Joris de Groot (CTO Alliander), and Sofyan Mbarki (Alderman of the Municipality of Amsterdam), signed the agreements for the next phase of H2avennet. With this, both organizations confirm their joint commitment to preparing the infrastructure for realization.

Hydrogen network for industries that are difficult to make sustainable

With H2avennet, the parties are laying an essential building block for the energy transition: an alternative energy system alongside the electricity and natural gas grids, which helps companies become more sustainable where electrification alone is insufficient, and simultaneously contributes to reducing grid congestion. And where companies are less dependent on the availability of natural gas.

“H2avennet focuses on the Port of Amsterdam area, where many companies have a high energy demand. Making production more sustainable is often complex there due to the demand for high temperatures in production processes. Hydrogen offers these companies an important alternative to fossil fuels. With H2avennet, Port of Amsterdam and Firan Waterstof provide industrial users in the area with access to hydrogen via an open and scalable infrastructure,” says Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen (Executive Director New Business, Port of Amsterdam).

The first feeding of green hydrogen into the grid is decisive. From this feeder, the network will be constructed to parties that can use the hydrogen to make their production processes more sustainable.

“H2avennet is important because it shows what the future of hydrogen in the Netherlands could look like: regionally organized, open to multiple parties, and built in close collaboration between public and private partners. What we are developing here sets the direction for future hydrogen networks in the Netherlands,” said Rob van der Horst on behalf of Firan Waterstof, part of Alliander Next Grid.

Important step for the future of hydrogen

The realization of H2avennet requires more than just a pipeline network. The production, injection, supply, and consumption of hydrogen must also be interconnected. Moreover, in the long term, H2avennet can be linked to HyNetwork’s national hydrogen grid, allowing regional and national infrastructure to reinforce each other. In doing so, H2avennet delivers value not only for individual companies but also for the competitiveness and sustainability of the region and the Netherlands as a whole.

Strong collaboration

In its collaboration with Firan Waterstof, the Port of Amsterdam focuses on connecting parties and enabling infrastructure in the port area, while Firan Waterstof is responsible for the development and management of the network and has the task of transporting hydrogen safely and reliably from producers to consumers. Therefore, a broad consortium of interested parties is involved in H2avennet. The Port of Amsterdam and Firan Waterstof also collaborate with the Municipality of Amsterdam and other involved parties, such as the North Sea Canal Area Programme Office, which plays a connecting role and provides support on matters such as permits.

The message at the H2A Symposium is clear: “the design and collaboration between the chain partners are in place. An important step towards the first large-scale hydrogen infrastructure for industry in the Netherlands.”

Source: Port of Amsterdam