Last summer, the first twelve homes in the Erflanden district in Hoogeveen should have switched to hydrogen. This has not been successful because the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has not yet given permission. The plan has therefore been delayed.
This is evident from a newsletter from the municipality of Hoogeveen to the residents of the Erflanden. The ACM ensures that the conversion from natural gas to hydrogen is properly arranged in terms of safety. They also check whether the consumer is well protected. “This process takes more time than expected,” the municipality said
The ACM is expected to give permission at the end of November. There is a but. The organization has a number of rules. Conversions may not take place between October 1 and April 1. The first homes can actually switch to hydrogen sometime next year.
Earlier this year, a trial was proposed to test the switch to hydrogen with a number of homes. Houses along Noorddreef, Blankvoorn and Bream seemed most suitable. A total of twelve households have agreed. There was too little interest in the Blankvoorn.
As soon as the ACM has approved, an agreement for the conversion will be signed with the residents. This will be followed by discussions about planning the work.
Opposite the Erflanden, work is being done on the Nijstad-Oost district. Dozens of homes will be built there. They will run entirely on hydrogen. That project is also currently awaiting permission from the ACM to continue. The sale of the estates can only start if there is approval from the supervisor.
In the Erflanden district there were plans to switch all 427 homes to hydrogen. Due to high energy prices, this no longer seemed feasible. In addition, the hydrogen project must pay sustainable energy tax. The plans will therefore continue in a slimmed down form. About a hundred homes will soon be able to switch to hydrogen.