Netherlands – Hydrogen indispensable in the energy system of the future
Rotterdam, September 23 – Hydrogen plays a key role in the future Dutch energy system. This is evident from a new hydrogen system study by CE Delft, commissioned by NLHydrogen. The study shows that hydrogen is essential for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Even in the most conservative scenario, approximately 300 petajoules (PJ) of hydrogen are required. This is comparable to current industrial gas consumption. In more realistic scenarios, this increases to 500 PJ. Especially in light of the recent Climate and Energy Outlook (KEV), which shows that the Netherlands is failing to achieve its climate goals with current policies, it is clear that additional efforts are needed.
Benefits for the energy system
The study shows that hydrogen not only contributes to achieving climate and energy goals, but also offers significant system benefits:
- Reduction of total transition costs and a better balance in the energy system.
- Reducing peak loads on the electricity grid, which can save billions in investments.
- Maintaining industrial activities and employment in the Netherlands.
- Strengthening energy supply security through local production and imports.
Two transition paths: early growth or late sprint
The study outlines two possible routes: an early growth path and a late sprint. CE Delft concludes that a slow-starting transition path initially requires less effort, but leads to higher costs and the risk that the Netherlands will not meet its climate goals. Early scaling up, supported by clear policy choices, results in a more robust energy system and lower societal costs.
Policy recommendations
According to the study, current policy is insufficient to achieve the necessary transition steps toward a climate-neutral energy system. Additional measures are needed to create an investment climate that offers sufficient certainty. This requires, among other things, an accelerated development of the physical hydrogen supply chain, clear market regulation, mitigating risks surrounding the national hydrogen grid, and targeted investments in knowledge development.
Response NLHydrogen
Alice Krekt, director of NLHydrogen, says:
This system study confirms that hydrogen is essential for an affordable and feasible energy transition,
“Standing still is not an option. We’re in a phase where expectations have been tempered and the challenges are becoming more visible, but now more than ever, it’s important to stay the course. The prospects for hydrogen are promising, provided we persevere.”
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Netherlands – Hydrogen indispensable in the energy system of the future, source
