Rotterdam Awards Innovation Subsidies to Seven Energy Transition Projects
Rotterdam, Monday, 15 December 2025.
Rotterdam selected seven energy projects from 23 applications in its tenth innovation subsidy round, supporting technologies from AI-driven energy management to floating charging hubs for ships. The winners include companies developing hydrogen production systems, offshore wind storage solutions, and heat batteries for greenhouses that could save up to 20% energy consumption.
AI-Driven Energy Management and Wind Power Integration
Among the seven selected projects, WorkyBe BV stands out with its development of an AI-driven platform for energy management, which the company is testing as a ‘micro-grid’ system integrated with Airturb wind turbines [1]. This innovative approach represents a significant step toward decentralized energy management systems that can optimize power distribution in real-time. The project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to create more efficient energy networks, potentially reducing waste and improving grid stability at the local level.
Hydrogen Production Technologies Gain Municipal Support
Two companies received backing for hydrogen production innovations, highlighting Rotterdam’s commitment to this emerging clean energy sector. Hymonic BV is developing an ammonia cracker specifically designed for hydrogen production, with energy company Essent reportedly considering investment in this technology [1]. Meanwhile, FlowVolta BV is working on a modular electrolyser system that produces hydrogen from direct current, with the primary goal of reducing production costs [1]. These projects align with broader Dutch energy transition goals, as hydrogen plays an increasingly important role in the country’s sustainable energy strategy [GPT].
Maritime and Offshore Energy Solutions
The maritime sector receives particular attention in this funding round, with Jansma Shipping exploring the development of a Mobile Charging Hub—a floating charging station designed for inland shipping operations in the Waalhaven [1]. This innovative concept addresses the growing need for charging infrastructure as the shipping industry transitions toward electric propulsion systems. Additionally, FLASC BV is researching high-pressure hydrogen compression technologies specifically for offshore wind farms, building upon previous funding received from the SES program [1]. The company is developing an offshore ‘pneumatic’ storage system for wind farms, representing a novel approach to energy storage in marine environments [1].
Industrial Heat Recovery and Agricultural Applications
The remaining funded projects focus on industrial efficiency and agricultural sustainability. Heatlift Dynamics BV is developing a ‘Multiphase Pressure Exchanger’ designed to increase industrial heat pump efficiency by up to 30% [1]. This technology could significantly reduce energy consumption in industrial processes where heat pumps are employed. In the agricultural sector, Thermeleon BV in Rotterdam is creating a heat battery system specifically for greenhouse horticulture that stores residual heat during daytime hours for nighttime use, potentially achieving energy savings of up to 20% in greenhouse operations [1]. The company’s research encompasses performance optimization, lifespan analysis, safety protocols, and integration compatibility with existing climate control systems [1]. Rotterdam’s innovation subsidy program, established in 2020, has now supported over 50 projects through a combination of direct subsidies, advisory services, and networking opportunities [1].