Netherlands – Farmers join forces to build hydrogen plant
Six farming families from Netterden in the Achterhoek region are working with energy company Kuster Energy to build a hydrogen plant, which will be located next to their wind turbine and solar park. The project could make an important contribution to reducing grid congestion in the Netherlands. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has announced that this hydrogen project will receive a €10 million OWE subsidy.
Green hydrogen for transport, construction, and infrastructure
In short, a facility is being built in Netterden that will convert wind and solar energy into hydrogen. The initiators are joining forces under the name H2 Achterhoek. This project serves as an example of how pioneering initiatives are driving the transition to a new energy system.
In addition to Wind Farm Den Tol, with nine turbines of 3.675 MW each, a 16 MWp solar park has been built. The plan is to install a hydrogen plant close to one of the turbines, where the electricity from the wind and solar parks will be converted into green hydrogen for transport, construction, and infrastructure. By producing hydrogen when the wind blows and/or the sun shines, the initiators also want to contribute to reducing grid congestion in the region.
Subsidy is crucial
The OWE subsidy awarded is crucial to making the hydrogen project in Netterden possible. The construction, grid connection, certification, and operation of such a plant are still expensive, while the revenues from hydrogen production are limited, especially in the initial phase.
Farmers have established the first freshwater cooperative, an innovative step to better use underground water storage on the island of Texel. This cooperation allows farmers and market gardeners on the island to use rainwater more efficiently, especially during drought and salinization. The cooperative ensures that costs and responsibilities are well regulated, which is crucial given the permanent ban on irrigation on Texel.
This cooperative provides a solution to the water shortage and serves as an example of sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. The founders hope this approach will optimize the balance between the supply and demand of fresh water, which has already resulted in higher yields on pilot plots. This project, part of ‘Zoete Toekomst Texel‘, will be further developed in the coming years to test and improve the effectiveness of freshwater cooperatives.
Historic Signing
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, an important milestone was reached when agricultural entrepreneurs Mark Slot and Henk Broekman put their signatures to establish the first freshwater cooperative. This took place in the presence of notary Marjon Hoogerheide, Hans Merton of Acacia Water, and Dirk de Lugt, chairman of LTO Noord division Texel.
Innovative solution to water scarcity
Establishing this cooperative is particularly important because Texel faces specific challenges. There is a permanent ban on irrigation, and the available ground and surface water is too salty for agricultural purposes. The underground water storage offers an innovative solution, with trial plots having already shown that “substantial additional yields” are possible through irrigation with the stored water.
Starting next year, member farmers can use the collected rainwater for the irrigation of potatoes. The cooperative will provide clear agreements on cost-sharing and maintenance of the installations. Farmers can choose which irrigation method they want, such as drip irrigation or level-controlled drainage. This flexibility in water management helps optimize supply and demand.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Netherlands – Farmers join forces to build hydrogen plant, source
