Accelerating the Global Energy Transition from the Netherlands
The Netherlands is taking robust steps to accelerate the transition to renewable energy for a sustainable future. In our aim to achieve zero carbon (CO2) emissions by 2050, we are finding new and smarter ways to generate and use energy. To do that, we are harnessing our existing assets and innovating a diverse, integrated mix of energy sources for the future.
The Dutch energy system is among the most sophisticated in the world, with leading European expertise centers for electricity and natural gas located here. Heavy investments in renewable energy, largely in solar and wind, have put the Netherlands firmly on track to become carbon neutral in 2050, when an astonishing 70GW will be produced by offshore wind parks alone. To complement these fluctuating resources, the Dutch are also developing green hydrogen, battery technology and smart-grid energy sources.
In developing a dependable, sustainable energy base, we are looking beyond our own borders for international collaboration. We invite sustainable energy innovators from around the world to work with the Dutch energy sector to develop scalable solutions that can contribute to reliable net-zero energy systems across the globe.
Developing competitive hydrogen solutions in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands’ net-zero energy mix, we expect 50% to be carbon neutral gas such as green hydrogen. How are the Dutch fueling a green hydrogen future? As the world’s second largest producer of grey hydrogen, we already have comprehensive expertise and capabilities in the field. We have an extensive pipeline infrastructure for natural gas, which is planned fto be retrofitted for hydrogen. And our state-of-the-art testing and validation facilities enable successful innovation with a short time to market. In short, the Netherlands is well on track to becoming a hydrogen economy.
Confirming its hydrogen ambitions, the Dutch government has allocated €500 million to stimulate €1.25 billion of investments in hydrogen projects across the H2 value chain. That includes 4GW in electrolyzer capacity to be in operation by 2030. Investment opportunities in the Dutch hydrogen ecosystem are concentrated on five area’s:
Hydrogen innovation facilities
The key to success of the Dutch approach is our multitiered focus. We are investing in small and medium scale innovation facilities across the supply chain where companies, researchers and government work together in a triple helix approach.
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We also leverage expertise from adjacent industries such as natural gas, traditional energy and chemicals. And we cultivate talent through several renowned academic and applied sciences universities with extensive research capabilities and programs.
The bottom line: the Netherlands provides attractive opportunities for new entrants to the Dutch hydrogen ecosystem. They can develop, test and validate their solutions in collaboration in the supply chain. Reducing time to market. And optimizing impact.
Boosting the competitive edge in battery technology
The Netherlands holds a central position in the European energy market and is home to a number of one-of-a-kind expertise centers with state-of-the-art validation and certification facilities. Battery technology innovation plays a crucial role in enabling an efficient and dependable carbon neutral energy system. The collaborative network of renowned institutes, our future-focused business community, and a committed government in the Netherlands, give new battery solutions a competitive edge and a fast track to hit the market at scale.
There are numerous cutting edge innovation facilities and collaborative projects in the Netherlands that each play a different part in advancing battery technology. Together, the facilities form a comprehensive network of knowledge and capabilities.
The Dutch battery technology cluster is focused on:
- Battery concepts: materials and cell design
- Equipment for cells, modules and packs
- Electric mobility: heavy duty vehicles & flight
- Stationary storage: grid stability
- Safety and data security (including testing)
- Reuse, second use and recycling
These technology challenges match particularly well with Dutch capabilities. They are areas in which the Dutch industry can make impactful sustainable solutions.
Harnessing smart grid technology to enable the energy transition
As the Netherlands transitions to a more decentralized, renewable energy mix, it relies on smart and secure digital innovations for optimal energy distribution. Where supply and demand is well balanced. The Dutch energy sector benefits from one of the world’s most advanced digital infrastructures. The Netherlands’ superior connectivity provides vast opportunities to develop and scale up smart grid solutions fit for the world market.
The Netherlands is among the global top-3 solar power producers. About 25% of households use a smart energy meter and home battery ownership is on the rise. With its long tradition of successful public-private partnerships and a government that has actively promoted local developments in decentralized energy grids for the last decade, the Dutch market provides fertile ground for developing, validating and scaling smart grid solutions.
Join the Netherlands to accelerate renewable energy to benefit people and the planet.