In places where the electricity grid is overloaded (grid congestion), an energy hub with hydrogen can provide a solution. Such a hydrogen hub can enable local industry to become more sustainable. Entrepreneurs, municipalities, and provinces who want to develop a hydrogen hub can read in a step-by-step plan from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) how to do this.
Local cooperation in sustainable energy
In a hydrogen hub, parties collaborate to locally produce, store, transport, and use sustainable energy. They use various types of energy. In such a hydrogen hub, hydrogen is an energy carrier that can store and transport energy.
Clear actions provide guidance
Entrepreneurs, municipalities, and provinces read in the report, commissioned by RVO, how they develop their hydrogen hub in 4 phases. Each phase consists of multiple actions. Each action has several core activities. These core activities provide developers with guidance for the further realization of their hydrogen hub.
The 4 phases and an example of a related core activity are:
- Exploration
Example: appoint a hub director. - Research and design
Example: conduct a feasibility study. - Realization
Example: develop a detailed permit plan and apply for permits. - Operation
Example: start small and initially produce to meet the existing demand for hydrogen.
Read the step-by-step plan
The report Step-by-step plan towards regional hydrogen hubs is now available on our website.
Subsidy for hydrogen hubs
To further encourage the development of hydrogen hubs, the Subsidy Scheme for scaling up fully renewable hydrogen production via electrolysis (OWE) hydrogen hubs will open in 2026. Developers can then apply for subsidies at RVO to realize their hydrogen hub.
QuickScan helps with hydrogen hub design
Furthermore, RVO will provide a QuickScan that shows what a hydrogen hub could look like. The QuickScan provides, for example, a possible technical design and the social benefits of a hydrogen hub. Social benefits include the employment opportunities created by the hydrogen hub and the amount of CO2 emissions the hub saves.
Why are hydrogen hubs needed?
In the Netherlands, we are working hard on the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy (energy transition). However, at the moment, the electricity grid is overloaded in many places. This means that companies and transporters cannot switch to electricity (electrification). To still be able to become more sustainable, entrepreneurs and decentralized governments can collaborate in a hydrogen hub.
No more waiting for electricity grid expansion
By collaborating in a hydrogen hub and using various types of energy, such as electricity, hydrogen, and heat, a better balance in the energy system is created. This helps save costs because the electricity grid needs to be expanded less. It also ensures that the area can become sustainable faster without having to wait for the electricity grid expansion.
- Ministry of Climate and Energy Transition
