A Look Back at “Hydrogen Works!”

Working together on new energy infrastructure

André Boer of HiDelta used the Multicommodity Hub in Sliedrecht as an example to illustrate how such an energy system might take shape in practice. There, entrepreneurs, public authorities, the network operator Stedin, the energy and waste management company HVC, and research institutions are working together to develop an energy system in which electricity, heat and hydrogen are interconnected.

The idea is to make the most efficient use possible of locally generated renewable energy. Surplus solar and wind energy, for example, can be stored or converted into green hydrogen. By coordinating energy consumption and generation across different businesses, opportunities arise to share energy and invest jointly in infrastructure.

This is a relevant example for business parks in Limburg. Here, too, businesses are reaching the limits of the electricity grid, whilst the demand for renewable energy is growing. A collective approach can create new opportunities that would be difficult for individual companies to achieve on their own.

At the same time, the example from Sliedrecht shows that an energy hub is not merely a technical issue. It requires cooperation, an understanding of energy demand and joint investment.

From hydrogen ambition to entrepreneurship

Gerbert Vissers, CEO of Vissers Energy Group, made it clear that the development of a hydrogen economy does not happen by itself. Drawing on his experience with sustainable mobility and the development of hydrogen refuelling stations, he outlined what is involved in building a new energy supply chain.

A concrete example is the hydrogen-related initiatives in Tegelen. Work is underway there to create a regional ecosystem that brings together the production, storage, distribution and use of hydrogen. It is precisely this connection that is important: a filling station needs a sufficient number of users, whilst transport companies can only make the switch once they are assured of a reliable and affordable fuel supply.

Funding also plays a major role. Vissers discussed the SWIM subsidy scheme, which can support investment in hydrogen mobility. But subsidies alone are not enough. Entrepreneurs also need clear policy, accessible infrastructure and sufficient market demand to be able to make sound investments. His account made it clear that the hydrogen transition is not just about technology, but also about entrepreneurship and the ability to take steps forward despite uncertainties.

The three keynote speeches were followed by a panel discussion chaired by Jorg Gogler, during which attendees were able to ask questions and engage in further discussion about the opportunities and challenges of the hydrogen transition.

Mobility: there is no single perfect fuel

In logistics and mobility, too, sustainability is all about finding the right application. Jan-Willem Tolkamp of LIOF, Dick van Aggel of Medi Cura and Pleun van der Kooij of FIER discussed the potential of hydrogen and battery-electric transport.

From an energy efficiency perspective, battery-electric driving is generally the best option. However, for transport companies, there are other factors to consider. How many kilometres do vehicles travel each day? When can they be charged? How much power is available? And what happens when a fleet grows from a few electric vehicles to dozens or hundreds of lorries?

Dick van Aggel, speaking on behalf of Medi Cura, highlighted how important it is to consider not only the vehicle itself, but also the surrounding energy supply. Available grid capacity and opportunities for collaboration with nearby businesses play a key role in this regard.

Pleun van der Kooij demonstrated that the development of electric lorries and charging infrastructure is now in full swing. European regulations are encouraging the roll-out of charging and hydrogen infrastructure along key transport corridors. At the same time, work is underway on energy hubs and new ways to charge lorries more quickly whilst on the move.

Financial viability remains a key consideration in this regard. It is not just the purchase price, but also energy prices, operating costs, subsidies, residual value and other costs that determine whether a sustainable lorry is an attractive option.

The session yielded three practical lessons: there is no such thing as a perfect fuel; infrastructure is at least as important as the vehicle itself; and practical experience is indispensable. Ultimately, the right solution depends on how the business is run.