Hydrogen Supply and Demand in Northern Netherlands: Progress and Challenges for RWE
- RWE plans two green hydrogen plants in Eemshaven, with 50 MW and 100 MW electrolysers.
- Engie's HyNetherlands project is delayed, but aims to support sustainability in the Netherlands and Germany.
- The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets plans a 'feed-in tariff' affecting investment decisions.
- Equinor's blue hydrogen project in Eemshaven awaits investment decision amid lack of financial support.
Hydrogen Projects in Northern Netherlands
RWE is planning to build two green hydrogen plants in Eemshaven, featuring 50 MW and 100 MW electrolysers. The projects will be powered by wind farms, but progress is stalled due to the need for confirmed offtakers.
Challenges in the Hydrogen Value Chain
The green hydrogen market faces a chicken-and-egg dilemma, with both supply and demand present but struggling to align. Initial optimism has waned, with projects delayed and expectations reduced.
Regulatory and Financial Hurdles
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets plans to introduce a 'feed-in tariff' requiring power producers to pay for grid connections, impacting investment decisions. This has led to delays in projects like Engie's HyNetherlands.
Blue Hydrogen Developments
Equinor is developing a blue hydrogen plant in Eemshaven, converting natural gas and storing CO2. However, the lack of additional financial support for blue hydrogen has stalled investment decisions.
Demand for Hydrogen
René Hartman of GETEC Benelux highlights the need for hydrogen to replace natural gas at the GETEC Park Emmen industrial park, where 30 companies still require 100 million cubic meters of natural gas annually.
Source: Gasunie