Wind Meets Gas 2019
At the closing of the two-day Wind Meets Gas conference on Friday it was noted that Noord-Nederland In the future, it will not be the only hydrogen region, but it now appears to be the first. Both Minister Eric Wiebes and Bart Biebuyck of the European FCH-JU referred in their speeches to the successful pitch of the HEAVENN-project with which Noord-Nederland that takes the lead. It was therefore more than fitting that the opening by Groningen's mayor Koen Schuiling was followed by a live performance of the Groningen folk song on the Schnittger organ of the Martini Church. Wind Meets Gas 2019 focused on energy developments in the North Sea and the role of hydrogen in them, particularly in Noord-Nederland. During both days it became clear that a successful transition requires a shared vision and close public-private partnership..
Hydrogen economy
Eric Wiebes, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, pointed out in his speech the developments in Noord-Nederland as a result of the reduction in gas extraction in the coming years. To provide the Netherlands with energy, Wiebes envisions a hydrogen economy Noord-Nederland as part of the solution. The region has everything it needs, with its existing infrastructure (gas pipelines, deep-sea port), space, and expertise, to realize the transition to a hydrogen economy. "If we can't develop a hydrogen economy here, we can't develop it anywhere!"
Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of the Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH-JU), emphasized in his keynote the importance of European regions and cities in the development of hydrogen. Currently, all planned developments in 22 countries within the European Union represent over €1.85 billion in investments in hydrogen. FCH-JU itself has already invested €1 billion, with more to follow in 2020, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, creating new markets, and creating jobs. Biebuyck envisions a future with multiple hydrogen valleys in Europe, but said it strongly appears that Noord-Nederland the first will be.
The first day was concluded by "hydrogen ambassador" Professor Ad van Wijk: "Hydrogen has become increasingly important in recent years. Billions are being invested in hydrogen, but regulations and effective incentive mechanisms are needed now."
That developments in the North Sea are no longer a national matter was evident from the presence of over 30 representatives from Scandinavian embassies and industry, who are following developments in the northern energy region with great interest.
To Paris via Groningen
Groningen's King's Commissioner René Paas kicked off the second day: "The road to Paris goes through Groningen. To meet the Paris climate goals, we need Groningen and its infrastructure to convert all wind energy into hydrogen."
The Scandinavian perspective was underscored by, among others, Christian Schneller of TenneT, who urged a shift in perspective and a transition from national to integrated offshore wind planning in the North Sea, including energy islands. The need for collaboration was a recurring theme in various panel discussions – between policymakers and industry, and among industry partners themselves. These proposals were met with widespread approval. There were no objections.
HyDelta, a new applied research program, was also launched on Friday. This program focuses on an integrated approach to improve and accelerate the development of the hydrogen economy. The University of Groningen, the Province of Groningen, TKI Nieuw Gas, KIWA, Gasunie, TNO, ERIG, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, and New Energy Coalition committed themselves to the new program by signing the declaration of intent.
Noé van Hulst, Hydrogen Envoy for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, concluded the two-day conference with an appeal: 'This time we had a broader view of the topic with the Nordics and the pentalateral perspective. Noord-NederlandBe the trailblazer for hydrogen for the rest of Europe. There's still a lot of work to be done and risks to be taken. Just do it!
