Background information

The Netherlands launched a hydrogen strategy in 2020. Innovation is key to achieve the required cost reduction and scale-up of production and application. The Netherlands also has a strong network of knowledge institutions, companies and universities that work on hydrogen.

The innovation in hydrogen is an international effort. Currently, there is an unprecedented momentum in worldwide hydrogen developments. This hydrogen strategy is an important player in the transition to green energy. There is a Climate Act in the Netherlands, that lay out the climate goals that should be achieved by 2030.

Content of measure

The hydrogen strategy focuses on the supply chain and the required knowledge. The largest electrolyzer is currently being built in the Netherlands and has a capacity of 20 megawatts. Moreover, there are multiple knowledge hubs in the Netherlands, such as in Eindhoven and Arnhem. These hubs contribute to the development of the hydrogen strategy.

The hydrogen strategy covers many countries and many more are eligible. The countries that are included are: China, India, Sweden, Germany, Turkey and Singapore, among others. These countries all take steps to implement a green hydrogen economy. How they implement it, however, is up to the countries themselves.

The Netherlands provides support where needed. For instance, Germany has already indicated that it wishes to cooperate with the Netherlands on green hydrogen. Especially the northern parts of Germany works closely with the Netherlands, as they have a lot in common with the offshore wind farms. Furthermore, the Dutch diplomatic network in Germany supports the Dutch-German cooperation in creating new electrolyzers and helps the Netherlands with strengthening their position within the supply chain of hydrogen.

Use of measure

There is no direct data available for the estimated number of workers, citizens or companies that are involved in the hydrogen strategy plan. It is known, however, that Dutch companies who use green hydrogen are located in other countries, such as Teesing and Shell in China.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Employers' organisations Company / Companies	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Unknown

Views and reactions

Unknown

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

• 31 March 2022: Netherlands Innovation Network Hydrogen (www.rvo.nl)