GroenvermogenNL and Shell to explore the development of an open innovation centre for electrolysers in Emmen (NL)

A testing site for hydrogen electrolysers has been proposed at NAM’s former gas purification plant in Emmen [EmmHy on the GZI Next site]. Over the coming months, GroenvermogenNL and Shell will detail their plans and seek out collaborators. Extant structures and preconditions in Emmen look promising for a rapid start to the open innovation centre.

The open innovation centre will provide the opportunity to conduct long-term testing pertaining to flexibility, efficiency and quality. This will enable steps to be taken to scale-up green hydrogen production. The objective is to remove business economics’ and technical impediments to the large-scale implementation of electrolysis in the Netherlands.

Promising Structure

EmmHy is on the GZI Next site[TV1]  where a green gas plant is also being developed alongside the extant solar park. The preconditions for an open innovation centre are good. The permits required have been granted, there is a 10MVA power connection available and there are buyers for the hydrogen produced thanks to the existing infrastructure (a hydrogen fuelling station for trucks and buses, and a pipeline to the GETEC industrial estate in Emmen). Furthermore, the presence of hydrogen-focused knowledge institutions such as the Greenwise Campus provides an excellent link between research and education.

Part of Hydrogen Valley Noord-Nederland

The intended testing location is situated in the first, recognised Hydrogen Valley in Europe (the northern Netherlands), where green hydrogen is produced, transported and used in industry, mobility and other sectors. The area will be connected to the hydrogen backbone which includes planned connections to the rest of Europe. The Hydrogen Valley Campus Europe is also located in this area: the campus network consists of eight testing and training locations aimed at generating knowledge and providing education about as well as innovating for the hydrogen transition[TV2] .

This news article was orininally published at GroenvermogenNL.