A sector that looks to the future

With a relatively unknown but dynamic automotive industry, the Dutch market is presenting itself today as one of the centers of hydrogen technology in Europe. Their efforts will have an impact on Europe, as 30% of European trucks are assembled in the Netherlands.

For Peter Kramer, head of project development at truck manufacturer DAF (Eindhoven), the issue is equally clear: “Hydrogen is an important energy source for the future of long-distance road transport.”

In addition to the climate benefits, accelerating hydrogen also enables the transition to a more autonomous European Union. “Right now, the success of the green transition is heavily dependent on solar panels and batteries produced in China,” says De Bruijn. Hydrogen is an attractive alternative to these technologies.

Especially since, although the latest technological advances are being developed in the US, Europe remains the true world leader in hydrogen. This is a major advantage if we want to independently achieve our climate goals for 2030 and 2050, the RAI program manager emphasizes.

The Dutch advantage is called hydrogen innovation

Although the Netherlands has few large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), it has many innovative suppliers. “Our German partners always said: ‘Let’s first see what the Dutch are doing, with their eccentric ideas.’ In the end, they adopted our solutions!”

Among the more than 200 members of the RAI Automotive Industry NL trade association are some real pioneers of sustainable automotive innovation, specialized in hydrogen. Think of DAF (Eindhoven) – truck manufacturer and one of the few OEMs in the country – and VDL (Eindhoven) and Westport Fuel Systems (Eindhoven).

The hydrogen fuel cell: a 100% green solution

Under the banner of the Green Transport Delta project, RAI members are developing their solutions to tackle the challenges of the hydrogen transition. This project is divided into three pillars that focus on the development of hydrogen fuel cells, the application of hydrogen in traditional combustion engines, and the design of a hydrogen infrastructure, from hydrogen stations to hydrogen-compatible tanks.

De Bruijn places particular emphasis on this first technology. “By means of electrolysis, the fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity, without emissions.” A promising solution, but not for tomorrow. We will have to wait until 2030 before fuel cells can be used on a large scale.

At VDL Special Vehicles, a pioneer in the field of high-temperature hydrogen fuel cells, Hans Bekkers, Head of Business Development, emphasises the historical involvement of his company – a member of RAI – in the hydrogen transition. “Our first hydrogen project dates back to 1998. Today, we are closely involved in European projects such as H2Share and H2Haul. VDL also works together with Toyota Motor Europe.”

Adjust for a faster transition

For a more immediate solution, diesel engines could be modified to run on hydrogen. “That would eliminate almost all emissions,” De Bruijn says, “and what’s left is negligible compared to the emissions of conventional engines.” Westport Fuel Systems (Eindhoven) specializes in such modifications. “They already work with OEMs like Volvo. And why not with French OEMs in the future?”

Making hydrogen available to everyone

But before a hydrogen future becomes a reality, there are still obstacles to overcome. First of all, the fueling infrastructure. “The availability of hydrogen along the roads is crucial. In the Netherlands as well as in France and all the countries in between,” says Kramer, expressing a common concern in the sector.

De Bruijn does not forget to mention the Dutch SME Resato Hydrogen Technology (Assen). “The development of a hydrogen station by Resato is progressing rapidly,” says the RAI program manager. The advantage of Resato? The company develops and produces all components of its filling stations in-house. De Bruijn is proud: “The innovations in the field of filling stations in the Netherlands are unique in the world.”

Towards an intensification of hydrogen partnerships

These Dutch innovations deserve to be tested and then deployed on a large scale. De Bruijn sees many opportunities for cooperation, especially between the Netherlands and France, whose industries can complement each other. “One country is a nation of innovations, the other of large industry.”

After a series of very successful visits to French partners during the Hyvolution trade fair 2024, De Bruijn hopes to further intensify the collaboration with French companies. With partners such as Total Energies and Airliquide, he foresees an acceleration in the field of refueling infrastructure.

He also hopes that French OEMs – Stellantis, Renault – and pioneering initiatives such as Hyvia will make more use of Dutch suppliers. This is an ambition shared by Bekkers: “By working with French partners, we can accelerate innovation, reduce costs and promote sustainability.”

“Suppliers, OEMs and governments need to work together on legislation, testing protocols and implementation,” adds Bas ten Broeke, Technical Director Hydrogen at Westport Fuel Systems. France and the Netherlands need to shape smart legislation within the EU, he argues. According to Ten Broeke, this is an opportunity for France and the Netherlands to set a good example for the whole of Europe. “So that end users can ultimately benefit from the new hydrogen infrastructure that we are developing, as well as from our short- and long-term solutions.”

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