Renewable energy developer GroenLeven and network company Alliander have a first. They have opened the very first domestic hydrogen plant next to a solar farm in the Netherlands in Oosterwolde (Friesland). Together, the parties here will investigate how hydrogen can play a role in areas where the capacity of the electricity grid is not sufficient to feed back large-scale generated solar energy.
The Netherlands is switching to a sustainable energy supply. As a result, the number of wind turbine and solar farms is growing rapidly. At the same time, not all sustainably generated electricity can always be fed back into the grid. In more and more places, congestion is threatening or the maximum capacity of the grid has been reached. To solve this, the electricity grid needs to be reinforced. This requires large investments and cannot be realised overnight. At the same time, there are opportunities to use the grid more efficiently. For example, by using the electricity generated to produce hydrogen.
Less congestion on electricity grid
In Oosterwolde, Alliander and GroenLeven are therefore studying over the next five years how hydrogen can contribute to the efficient use of the electricity grid. In the study, Alliander is looking at whether it is possible to reduce or prevent congestion on the electricity grid. It is also investigating whether hydrogen is a solution to prevent grid expansion.
Pilot
For the pilot project, Alliander has therefore built a hydrogen plant right next to a GroenLeven solar park. Using this plant, GroenLeven will convert water into hydrogen using the electricity generated by its solar park. The local taxi company Kort and fuel supplier OrangeGas from Heerenveen will then purchase 100 per cent green hydrogen. Production of 100,000 kilograms of hydrogen per year is expected to be possible. This is equivalent to approximately 10 million clean kilometres travelled by passenger car. GroenLeven will investigate how green hydrogen can be used as a form of renewable energy that can be stored.
Collaboration
"Cooperation is essential for the energy transition to succeed, says Peter Paul Weeda", co-CEO of GroenLeven. "Congestion on the electricity grid now causes delays. This, while we must accelerate. Together with grid operators, we are putting our shoulders to the wheel to find solutions. This pilot is a great example of this and fits perfectly with our strategy. As GroenLeven, we are going to focus more on broad renewable energy solutions and energy landscapes. Where the focus in the past was on solar energy, we are now expanding this to a mix of wind energy, energy storage and thus hydrogen. In this way, we are making a substantial contribution to the energy transition in the Netherlands. And to a cleaner, better world for future generations."
The hydrogen plant has now been officially opened, but is not yet operational. Hydrogen is expected to flow through the plant's pipes for the first time in June.
Source: Alliander and GroenLeven
