The first project of GroenvermogenNL R&D program, HyTROS, can start applied research and further development of hydrogen transportation and storage with a subsidy of €14 million plus a contribution of over €4 million from the industry. The HyTROS-project is an initiative involving 32 parties from research and industry. Through a unique workshop-based procedure, they collaboratively developed a strong and supported program aimed at accelerating the scaling up of green hydrogen in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is the second-largest hydrogen producer in Europe. Almost all hydrogen currently comes from fossil fuels. By 2030, the Netherlands aims to have 4 GW of electrolysis capacity. The main challenge in producing green hydrogen on such a large scale is to investigate to what extent the current onshore and offshore natural gas systems can be repurposed for hydrogen, identify the need for new assets, and determine what needs to be regulated to ensure the new energy system operates safely and cost-effectively with societal support. This requires further research into the production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen across the entire hydrogen value chain. The HyTROS program (Hydrogen Transport, Offshore, and Storage) will conduct research on transportation (especially through pipelines), above and underground storage, offshore transportation and storage, and safety. Project leader René Peters (TNO) stated, “We are identifying the risks associated with the development of the hydrogen transportation and storage infrastructure. We are also researching how to mitigate these risks. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate and facilitate the development of the hydrogen market.”
The HyTROS consortium was established through an innovative process of the GroenvermogenNL Growth Fund program and NWO. In two intensive workshops, each lasting three days, all stakeholders collaborated on the now approved project proposal. Typically, multiple proposals are submitted in competition, but in this process, parties were challenged to work together in national co-creation. With success! The HyTROS consortium consists of 10 universities, three research institutes, two graduate schools, and 17 industrial partners. All national and regional grid operators involved in hydrogen transportation, future storage operators, and supply industry for on- and offshore pipeline installations, inspection, and maintenance are participating in the HyTROS program. Maryam Alimoradi Jazi, program manager for GroenvermogenNL, stated, “GroenvermogenNL and NWO organize this collaborative approach, in co-creation and without competition. We do this for the hydrogen community, for society, and for the economy.” René Peters is also enthusiastic about the new approach: “It was an experimental way to build a consortium, and it took some getting used to at first. Ultimately, it turned out to be a very efficient way to quickly assemble a strong consortium and outline a research proposal.”
University of Groningen, Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University, University of Amsterdam, University of Twente, Utrecht University, CWI, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, TNO, Deltares, VSL, HyET E-Trol, Shell Global Solutions International, N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, EBN, Nobian Industrial Chemicals, Allseas Group SA, Worley Nederland, DNV Netherlands, Netbeheer Nederland, SKF, Neptune Energy, Voyex, Aliaxis, Fluidwell, TAQA Energy, ONE-Dyas
