The Netherlands is among the leading countries in Europe in innovative hydrogen technologies. These are technologies that are essential in the fight against climate change and ensure the transition to a clean energy future. This is according to a new joint study on hydrogen technology patents by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Between 2011 and 2020, 3% of all global patents on hydrogen technologies came from the Netherlands. This made the Netherlands the third most active country in that field in Europe. After Germany (11%) and France (6%), but ahead of Italy and Denmark (both 1.4%).
Europe
Overall, the EU leads the way in applying for patents related to hydrogen with 28%. Following Europe are Japan (24%) and the US (20%). While patenting on hydrogen technologies (production, storage, distribution, transformation and end-use) grew in Europe and Japan over the past decade, it declined in the US. International patent activity remained modest in South Korea and China, but is increasing.
Growth in low-emission methods
Hydrogen production technologies accounted for the largest number of Dutch hydrogen patents in the 2011-2020 period. These were 283 patents out of a total of 446. This gives the Netherlands a 4% share in global hydrogen production. Hydrogen production mainly takes place using fossil fuels. Nevertheless, Dutch patent data show a shift towards alternative, low-emission methods, such as electrolysis. This is evidenced by the strong growth in the number of patent applications by Dutch companies in the field of electrolysis. On average, their growth increased by 18.2% in the period between 2011 and 2020. By 2020, climate-driven technologies accounted for more than 60% of all hydrogen production-related patents originating from the Netherlands.
Storage, distribution and transformation
But in areas other than hydrogen production, such as storage, distribution and transformation, patent applications from the Netherlands mainly concern pre-existing hydrogen technologies, and the patent data do not show a transition to greener technologies.
Shell, Sabic and Philips
The largest Dutch patent applicants on hydrogen technologies were Shell (63 international patents in the period from 2011 to 2020), followed by Sabic (39; through their Netherlands-based operations) and Philips (22).
Potential of hydrogen
"Harnessing the potential of hydrogen is an essential part of Europe's strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. " EPO president António Campinos said.
"The report reveals encouraging transition patterns in countries and industry sectors. Including Europe's significant contribution to the emergence of new hydrogen technologies. The report also highlights the contribution of startups to hydrogen innovation. They rely on patents to bring their innovations to market."
Energy transition
“Hydrogen from low-carbon sources can play a key role in the energy transition. It has the potential to replace fossil fuels in sectors where few clean alternatives exist, such as long-distance transport and fertiliser production,” said Fatih Birol. He is the Executive Director of the IEA. “This study shows that innovators are responding to the need for competitive hydrogen supply chains. It also identifies areas where further effort is required.” – Photo: Michal Jarmoluk via Pixabay
