While the construction of the national hydrogen network is under pressure due to rising costs and disappointing expectations, the largest hydrogen project in the Netherlands in Drenthe is continuing as usual: H2 Hollandia in Nieuw-Buinen.
While there is discussion in The Hague about how profitable it is to build infrastructure for a hydrogen network, construction is taking place in Southeast Drenthe. And they continue to do so, emphasizes initiator Avitec.
“It means nothing to us. What we do is produce hydrogen for mobility: cars, trucks and equipment. Our produced hydrogen is stored and transported with so-called tube trailers. Just like LPG cars that drive around to deliver gas to filling stations. So that has nothing to do with the underground hydrogen network.”
The national hydrogen network is a pipe system that brings hydrogen from the places where it is made to industries that need it, so that they can work cleaner. In Nieuw-Buinen, electricity from the solar park is used to make green hydrogen. The Drenthe project focuses on hydrogen for trucks, buses and heavy equipment. This makes it separate from the national plan.
While national plans threaten to slow down, progress is mainly visible in Nieuw-Buinen. The hydrogen project can already be physically seen on the site near the solar park.
“The electrolyser has been installed, the cooling systems are already in place, the pavements are almost ready. One hundred percent certain that it will be ready in the summer of 2026,” says Timmermans.