Contributing to the global demand for hydrogen solutions

The Netherlands is investing heavily in hydrogen technology across various hotspots. Unique about the industrial complex at Port of Rotterdam, is the presence of renowned players across the entire supply chain, from researchers and R&D facilities to industrial energy and feedstock-suppliers. And from producers to infrastructure and industrial customers. This positions hydrogen companies in our region at the sweetspot for commercializing and scaling their business to the global arena.

A valuable hub in the global hydrogen supply chain

Decades of heritage as a major contributor to the global energy and chemicals supply

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The hydrogen sector in the Rotterdam-The Hague area in numbers

Over €2 Mrd.

investments in hydrogen technology, infrastructure and applications announced, and counting

400 KTON

Grey hydrogen was processed by the industrial cluster in 2020

95%

CO2 reduction to be achieved in 2050 relative to 1990

4000000 kW

3 to 4 GW/year of green hydrogen shall be produced in the Netherlands by 2030, providing 25-35% of the Dutch energy demand

Renewable energy
Solar and wind parks a.o. in the North Sea provide locally sourced renewable energy
Pipe infrastructure
Existing pipelines suitable for hydrogen transport reach as far as the German and Belgian midland
Logistics hotspot
Port of Rotterdam is ideally equipped for importing and distributing green hydrogen across regions and sectors
Feedstock
Natural gas is available for producing blue hydrogen

Storage and buffering
Our region has storage options for hydrogen, e.g. for balancing the energy system
Industrial customers
Hydrogen is used as feedstock for the sustainable production of synthetic chemicals and fuels
Fuel for heavy transport
The maritime and aerospace industry are developing hydrogen solutions to reduce their carbon footprint
Heating
Industrial producers and horticulture businesses use hydrogen for heating

Solid foundation for growth

Large volumes of hydrogen have been produced and processed in our region for decades, which means that the backbone for the hydrogen industry is in place. Significant investments have been announced in various initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in hydrogen production. Also international hotspots are being connected through pipeline and shipping connections, to enable effective balancing of supply and demand on a global scale. Port of Rotterdam holds a pivotal position in that distribution plan.

This ecosystem accelerates hydrogen innovation

Because of the high diversity of the business ecosystem in our region, innovative solutions at any point in the hydrogen supply chain can find their way to commercialisation in our region.

The latest from our hydrogen community

VSPARTICLE Nanoprinter makes scaling up hydrogen production faster, cheaper and more sustainable

Carbon-neutral hydrogen energy in the marine industry is getting closer

The Port of Rotterdam, soon to be Europe’s Hydrogen Hub

Greater Rotterdam – The Hague area is ideally positioned as a European Hydrogen Hub

Hydrogen as feedstock

Grey hydrogen is currently used for ammonia production and will be a critical component in the production of synthetic kerosine and methanol, for which the first facilities are planned to be operational in 2030 in our region. Accelerating the developments in green hydrogen production therefore plays a crucial role in the energy transition. Various organisations and the Dutch government are investing in large scale production of green hydrogen in our region.

Hydrogen as energy carrier

Energy storage is a critical issue in the transition toward a net-zero future. Hydrogen plays a role as an energy carrier for buffering the energy grid between peak production and consumption and for heavy transport and aviation, where batteries can not provide the energy-density required for the job. The large-scale wind energy parks off the coast in our region will require buffering and play an important role in the hydrogen ecosystem.

Milestones for 2030

2 GW electrolyser capacity
First synthetic chemistry factories operational

Hydrogen for heavy transport

Shipping
For long-distance shipping, batteries can not deliver the required energy density. Various projects in our region are focused on developing technology and infrastructure to support hydrogen-based shipping.

Connections with industrial regions in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
Digital trading platform for hydrogen in place

Aviation
Hydrogen, as well as synthetic kerosene-based aviation technology and infrastructure, are being developed at Port of Rotterdam and Rotterdam – The Hague Innovation Airport.

Kennis (TU en TNO)

Our region is ideally positioned to play a crucial role in the global demand for hydrogen solutions.

Innovation facilities

These real-life testing locations provide R&D, validation & demonstration facilities and services for innovations at all TRL levels. They are organised by ten public partners and hundreds of companies. SMITZH is a public initiative in which seven field labs participate. This organisation provides guidance and financing (in the form of vouchers) to companies in our region aiming to manufacture faster, cheaper and more sustainably and achieve better quality through digital solutions.

R&D incentives

The Dutch programme of incentives to stimulate R&D activities covers the whole R&D life cycle, from development to the exploitation of successful R&D. Our R&D incentives are the most extensive in the world.

Incubator support for innovative startups

Our region acknowledges the value of successful, innovative startups and has several excellent incubators in place to support these young businesses.

Engineering talent

TU Delft is the Netherlands’ premier university in engineering and has a globally renowned reputation. Our region is also home to multiple universities with smaller but excellent engineering departments, producing talented professionals with varied expertise.

International talent

In addition to locally available talent, the majority of Europe’s leading technical universities are located within a 500km radius. To support companies in attracting international top talent, there are several appealing tax and immigration incentives and procedures for expats in the Netherlands. It also helps that both The Hague and Rotterdam are celebrated as being among the most attractive cities for expats.

Hydrogen companies in our region

Our high-tech community includes a large number of startups, scale-ups and multinational corporations. Many of these organisations are actively involved in one of the countless public/private R&D initiatives and are celebrating open innovation through participation in, for example, one of the local field labs.

Discover more about our region:

Explore other key industries in our region

Our region is home to a number of world-leading business clusters, setting the tone in their industries across the globe. The strong partnerships in the region are its greatest strength.

Maritime & Port
Our region is renowned for our maritime expertise and excellent port infrastructure. In order to maintain our position at the forefront of the world’s trade and logistics rankings, the community is focused on digitisation and becomming more sustainable.
Horticulture
Our region is home to the largest high-tech greenhouse area in Europe, known for its highly innovative community with an excellent knowledge infrastructure and efficient logistics.
Aerospace
Our region is home to a unique aerospace cluster, including the complete chain of academic research – knowledge applications – OEM’s – first, second & third tier suppliers and end users.
Life Sciences & Health
We’ve got our pharma hotbed at Leiden Bio Science Park, the entrepreneurial medtech community around Rotterdam’s Erasmus MC, and our Delft high-tech heart beating in between.
Cyber Security
The Hague Security Delta, with ties to our national government, military and intelligence agencies as well as international organisations, provides access to markets, innovation, talent, knowledge and capital.
Digital Technology
Our region is recognized for its innovative capabilities in digital technology and has a strong track record developing world-class technology businesses. The leading sectors in the region are adopting the latest cutting-edge technologies at a fast pace.
Sustainable Energy
The Dutch government has defined ambitious goals related to transitioning towards renewable energy. These ambitions create numerous opportunities for international cleantech businesses.
Biobased Industry
The presence of a large industrial cluster, world-leading logistics, the availability of feedstock, testing facilities and an extensive knowledge base in our region make a perfect mix that acts like a trampoline for biotech companies developing and growing their businesses.