The development of sustainable hydrogen in North Holland has achieved the significant European ‘Hydrogen Valley’ status. This award distinguishes regions that are actively developing a sustainable hydrogen-based energy system. North Holland has been hailed as a ‘best practice’ example in terms of public-private partnerships and funding models.
The honor recognizes collaboration efforts between clusters in the North Sea Canal region (a part of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area) and North Holland North. Gaining ‘Hydrogen Valley’ status means the region is now officially part of the European sustainability initiative. This status offers the region enhanced access to European knowledge and financing, which can expedite the shift towards a more sustainable energy system.
Jeroen Verwoort, Alderman for Energy & Sustainability and member of the MRA board and the Amsterdam Economic Board, expressed his ambition for the region: “We aim to become the world’s first Green Industrial Zone. Collaborating with knowledge institutions, fellow governments, and the business community, we are committed to advancing sustainable industry, with a keen focus on our residents’ quality of life. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in this effort.”
The region boasts three seaports – IJmuiden, Amsterdam, and Den Helder – which play a significant role in the sustainable energy landing, import, transport, and storage. Combined with Schiphol Airport, waterways, rail, and pipe connections, these ports can effectively serve the regional consumption and transit of sustainable energy to nearby regions and countries.
A multitude of local initiatives for hydrogen production exist within the region. The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area within North Holland stands out for its ambition to use hydrogen on a large scale in diverse applications, from steel production and manufacturing to synthetic fuels, mobility, and agriculture.
The region is also home to the Faraday Lab in Petten, Europe’s largest hydrogen research facility, along with strong innovation and knowledge clusters at Techport in IJmond, Investa in Alkmaar, the Science Park in Amsterdam, and the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam.
Currently, there are 60 regions and projects across Europe with Hydrogen Valley status. In the Netherlands, this includes the Northern Netherlands and the port of Rotterdam, and now, North Holland. The European Commission views Hydrogen Valleys as instrumental in making the energy supply more sustainable and reducing energy dependency outside Europe.
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