This week, the European Hydrogen Week is taking place in Brussels, Belgium. The province of North-Holland was represented by the Hydrogen Hub North-Holland. Last May, the Hydrogen Hub North-Holland received European Hydrogen Valley status and during Hydrogen Week was voted European Hydrogen Valley of the Year 2023. Programme director of Energietransitie Noordzeekanaalgebied,(NZKG energy transition) Ingrid Post, accepted the award on behalf of the province.
“This recognition underscores the efforts of both public and private partners to making Hydrogen Hub North Holland a success story and thereby holding a leading position in the hydrogen transition within North-West Europe” said Ingrid Post.
North Holland Provincial Executive member Rosan Kocken comments:
“As a province, we are proud of Hydrogen Hub North-Holland’s recognition as Hydrogen Valley of the Year 2023. This international award confirms the commitment and cooperation of both public and private partners in our region and underlines North Holland’s leading role in the hydrogen transition. It is an incentive to continue working towards a sustainable future with even greater determination.“
International award
Hydrogen Valley status is a European award for regions that commit to developing sustainable hydrogen-based energy systems in a distinctive way. There are 84 regions around the world that have Hydrogen Valley status, 60 of which are in Europe. The European Hydrogen Valley of the Year award was presented for the sixth year and is an additional incentive for project beneficiaries to market research and innovations. Hydrogen Hub North Holland is a collaboration between a large number of partners including the province of North Holland, the North Sea Canal Area Programme Office, the North Holland Development Company, New Energy Coalition, several municipalities, grid operators and private parties.
North Holland’s hydrogen
North Holland is strongly committed to developing hydrogen as a promising alternative to coal, natural gas and diesel. The commitment to hydrogen is a crucial step towards achieving climate neutrality and reducing CO2 emissions. The benefits extend beyond cleaner air; hydrogen also reduces particulate matter and nitrogen emissions, contributing to a healthier living environment. In addition its use boosts the economy and creates new jobs in the province.
In a future where hydrogen has a key role, a significant proportion of industry will switch to this energy source, from energy-intensive factories to aviation, shipping and heavy haulage. Hydrogen offers solutions on several fronts where electricity sometimes falls short.
North Holland’s port areas act as essential hydrogen hubs for import, production, storage, transit and export of renewable hydrogen. Amsterdam, as Europe’s fourth largest port, is shifting its focus from fossil fuels to green hydrogen for industry and synthetic paraffin for aviation and shipping. Due to its strategic location, the port of Den Helder could also play a key role in the large-scale import of green hydrogen from the North Sea or neighbouring countries. The strategic location of the ports in the North Sea Canal area and Den Helder therefore makes the region a crucial hub in the hydrogen transition for North Holland, the Netherlands and Northern Europe.
Find out more about the Hydrogen Hub North Holland and European Hydrogen Week via:
