Netherlands Spearheads Green Hydrogen Production with Electrolysis
Amsterdam, Friday, 11 July 2025.
The Netherlands leverages advancements in electrolysis to lead in green hydrogen, crucial for sectors where electrification lags, aiding its carbon emission reduction goals.
Technological Advancements in Electrolysis
The Netherlands is poised to become a leader in green hydrogen production, thanks to recent advancements in electrolysis technologies. Nations worldwide are looking to electrolysis as a means to transform surplus renewable energy into hydrogen, and the Netherlands is at the forefront of this push. Electrolysis enables the storage of excess energy from solar and wind sources, essential for a sustainable energy transition. Among the notable electrolysis methods, the Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) and CO₂ electrolysis stand out, both promising to potentially revolutionize how green hydrogen is produced [1].
Understanding Electrolysis Types
Electrolysis encompasses several significant technologies: alkaline, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC), Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM), and CO₂ electrolysis, each offering specific advantages and applications. Alkaline electrolysis is established and cost-efficient, favored for its suitability in stable, large-scale operations. PEM electrolysis, conversely, offers flexibility, making it apt for integration with variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind. SOEC excels in efficiency, especially when utilizing waste heat, despite higher costs and sensitivity to operation load. AEM technology blends cost-effectiveness with flexible application opportunities, enhancing its appeal in small-scale, decentralized setups [1][5].
Pioneers of Electrolysis in the Netherlands
The drive for innovation in electrolysis technologies in the Netherlands is supported by various institutions, including the Dutch Hydrogen and Fuel Cell association (NWBA), which focuses on sustainable national development using hydrogen technologies [2]. Meanwhile, the GroenvermogenNL program is investing heavily in research and development to address technical uncertainties and drive down costs associated with green hydrogen production. GroenvermogenNL also supports the testing and demonstration of new innovations across the hydrogen supply chain, including production, transport, and industrial utilization [3].
The Strategic Importance of Hydrogen
For the Netherlands, investing in green hydrogen represents not just an energy solution, but a critical economic strategy. Its geographic location and advanced technological sector enable it to play a pivotal role in the nascent hydrogen market. As the demands for sustainable energy solutions grow domestically and internationally, Dutch companies are uniquely positioned to lead in the production and supply of electrolysis systems. This opportunity aligns with the Netherlands’ broader goals to not only meet local energy needs sustainably but to also emerge as a key player on the international stage [1][3].