Hydrogen in the Zeeland port district and over the border

Through its subsidiary Hynetwork, Gasunie is installing a hydrogen network in the south-western region of the Netherlands. This network can supply industry in the province of Zeeland with hydrogen, helping to make it more sustainable. Maarten den Dekker, executive board member of North Sea Port, says, ‘The hydrogen network will bring about positive developments in the region and we need to make this evident to the local residents’.

‘North Sea Port is an industrial port. We create a significant amount of carbon emissions. For years we have been working on reducing emissions and making raw materials and feedstocks more sustainable. We are achieving this by building new infrastructure in collaboration with grid operators like Gasunie. We also actively welcome new companies that can contribute to sustainability, like through hydrogen import or production, or with sustainable fuel production (pyrolysis) for sectors like aviation. Also companies applying circular principles, like through plastic recycling or reuse of CO₂ or waste heat. As a port we have a key role in connecting companies; we bring them into contact with each other.’

‘Hydrogen plays a crucial role in both the energy and feedstock transition. Together, the North Sea Port and industry in the port district form the largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux. The demand for hydrogen is already very high and is set to increase further. At this time it’s all grey hydrogen, with a lot of emissions. Green hydrogen will enable us to produce products such as green plastics, green steel and green fuels. Our port district brings a lot together in one area. There is demand for hydrogen from industry, and there is already a considerable supply. There are many plans to import hydrogen and produce green hydrogen using electricity. The latter is only common sense given that this is where the electricity generated using offshore wind turbines is brought ashore. Ammonia is a common import here, too, for example in Sloehaven, Vlissingen and Borssele. Ammonia is transported further or converted into hydrogen to be transmitted through Gasunie’s hydrogen network.’

‘The hydrogen network will connect supply with demand throughout the entire district, from Vlissingen to Ghent. You will be achieving this together with Belgian network operator Fluxys. The first location for hydrogen crossing the border will be at Sas van Gent/Zelzate. This will enable a plant in Vlissingen to do business with a plant in Ghent, for example, or enable an importer in Vlissingen to deliver to their client in Terneuzen. The hydrogen network is also important because it allows us to maintain our favourable position. The Dutch and Belgian hydrogen networks provide important connections to Germany, France and other countries where there is also a demand for hydrogen.’

‘How active our region is with regard to hydrogen often goes unseen. There are a lot of hydrogen projects underway in Zeeland. For example, over 1.5 years ago Zeeland could already present the largest number of signed Expressions of Interest, or EoIs. By signing an EoI companies can express their interest in connecting to the hydrogen network. The number of EoIs surprised many people, given that hydrogen is generally more associated with Rotterdam or Groningen. I think it’s important that people be made aware of our activities here. Though Zeeland is not the only key region in this regard. As industrial clusters, we need each other to build the hydrogen network in the Netherlands and the connections with Belgium and Germany. And so it’s good that other industrial clusters are also developing: having a strong neighbour is very important.’

‘There are a lot of energy projects underway in our region. Sometimes it can be hard to see the connection between all of these. That’s why it’s important that the various companies working on these projects collaborate to ensure that the local stakeholders can understand it all. Together we can ensure that the benefits of these projects go to the local community. Benefits like better local facilities and economic growth, that the local cinema can remain open, the library can expand and that the bakery on the corner can continue to bake their tasty breads. We need to contribute to the beneficial developments in the region. And we need to make this visible to the locals.’

‘Staying on schedule and meeting deadlines is a challenge. Will everything work out on time with the permits? And how about the nitrogen policy or the procurement of land? Furthermore, it’s important to work systematically, especially to prevent having to excavate again in a number of years. Though we may have an idea of the future right now, in three years it could be very different. And that is a major challenge for projects such as that for the hydrogen network in the south-western region of the Netherlands.’

‘Seeing projects that have a positive impact on the region where I was born and raised actually coming to fruition, like the border connection of the hydrogen network between the Netherlands and Belgium, a collaboration between Gasunie and Fluxys, for example. Or the green hydrogen production plant that VoltH2 will be building. And the new lock complex in Terneuzen. These are major projects that have a great impact for the port, for the industrial sector – and ultimately for broader prosperity throughout the region. That’s why we do it after all. And I’m proud of that too.’

‘I’d like to extend my compliments to Gasunie! We have worked together very intensively and amicably recently, also to establish the connection with Fluxys. It’s been a great adventure with a great result. The hydrogen network lays the foundation to facilitate other projects that need this infrastructure. You are an essential link and you are aware of that. It’s up to you to see that the network gets built, and I have every confidence that you will get it done!’