Dutch parliament sets four priorities for the future of hydrogen
The committee debate of the Dutch parliament on Hydrogen, green gas and other energy carriers took place on 16 January 2025. The debate discussed the steps and obstacles in the transition to sustainable energy carriers. Geerte de Jong, hydrogen chains expert at New Energy Coalition, followed the debate to interpret policy developments around hydrogen.
The development of the hydrogen market is slower than expected, mainly because not all the necessary preconditions, such as infrastructure and wind farms, are in place. This makes it more difficult to realise the ambition of 4 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity by 2030. The exact consequences of this will be determined by the committee in spring, when there will be more clarity on infrastructure (via a new roll-out plan), supply (OWE outcomes) and market demand.
The committee has set four priorities:
- Clear legislation and regulations.
- Reliable construction and realisation of infrastructure.
- Tools to scale up production and imports.
- A robust policy framework for blue and other low-carbon hydrogen.
To stimulate the entire hydrogen market and value chain, several subsidy schemes are available. These include the SDE++ scheme for hydrogen projects, DEI+ and GroenvermogenNL for small-scale electrolysis projects in the demonstration and pilot phase, and the OWE tender that subsidises the unprofitable top of hydrogen production.
Focus on renewable hydrogen in northern Netherlands
For the Northern Netherlands, there is a specific focus on the instruments around renewable hydrogen. This concerns financial schemes for companies that want to invest in electrolysis capacity and companies that have to choose between renewable hydrogen, CCS or direct electrification for their sustainability efforts. Final decision-making on this will take place in spring. There is also a focus on simplifying local hydrogen production, where the government wants to support municipalities in the licensing process.
Reliable hydrogen infrastructure
A reliable transport and storage infrastructure is essential to connect hydrogen supply and demand. Entrepreneurs need clarity on the infrastructure before they can invest. The Netherlands is among the first countries to have started building a hydrogen infrastructure.
Spatial procedures have already started for a large number of sections, and in Rotterdam, infrastructure construction has already begun. Pipelines in the four coastal industrial clusters, including Eemshaven, are expected to be completed by 2030 at the latest. The important Delta-Rhine corridor, which plays a major role in the hydrogen market, is expected to be completed between 2031 and 2032.
Netherlands as a hub in global hydrogen trade
The government is strongly committed to energy diplomacy to increase security of supply and position the Netherlands as a hub in the global hydrogen trade. This involves looking at different forms of hydrogen carriers.
A concrete example of this international cooperation is the working visit of King Willem-Alexander and ministers to Norway and Denmark in autumn 2024. During this visit, pipelines, blue hydrogen and applications in the maritime sector were discussed.
Grants to support manufacturing innovation
In addition, the government encourages the development of the Dutch manufacturing industry. In the Netherlands, more than 100 companies, including startups, produce components for electrolysers and other equipment. To make this sector future-proof, the government is working with companies and knowledge institutions on circularity, PFAS-free alternatives and the use of less critical materials.
To support these developments, subsidies are provided, including through GroenvermogenNL. With a budget of €150 million, schemes such as the IMKE scheme and Learning Communities are deployed to promote innovation and cooperation in the manufacturing industry.
Importance of stable and decisive government policies
The committee stresses the importance of stable and decisive government policies. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to have clear frameworks in place before they can invest. While the committee shows that many schemes are already in place and substantial investments are being made in hydrogen, there is still much work to be done.
‘The hydrogen economy only really runs well with a surplus of renewable energy, which is currently not in place. In addition, infrastructure is a core requirement, both for Dutch entrepreneurs and for imports and international hydrogen trade.’
- Geerte de Jong, Expert Hydrogen Supply Chains at New Energy Coalition
The committee is looking forward to the Spring Memorandum with great anticipation. This should provide more clarity on the next steps and plans for 2025 and beyond.
Green Gas
The future of green gas was also discussed during the committee debate. Read what Ruud Paap, green gas expert at New Energy Coalition, noticed during the debate.
