Flexiliser: Elevating Sustainable Agriculture with Hydrogen Innovation
Netherlands, Friday, 21 March 2025.
Flexiliser leverages hydrogen technology to transform Dutch agriculture by addressing manure and nitrogen challenges, aiming for sustainable energy-food integration while benefiting farmers.
Innovative Founders and Vision
Founded in 2022, Flexiliser emerged from the collaborative vision of Steven van Dalen and Manuel Dieguez Sanchez, both holding sustainability master’s degrees from Utrecht University. The founders previously managed SanDalen Sustainability Solutions before establishing Flexiliser with a focus on green hydrogen applications in agriculture [1]. Their initiative particularly targets the pressing challenges faced by dairy farmers, offering innovative solutions for manure disposal and nitrogen emission reduction [1].
Technical Innovation in Agricultural Sustainability
The company’s core innovation lies in its unique approach to manure management. Flexiliser has developed a system that enables dairy farmers to treat their manure through an ‘acidification’ and ‘Flexi-boost’ process, significantly reducing ammonia and nitrogen emissions while improving soil quality [1]. Currently, the company is collaborating with TNO and Adverio Waste Systems to design and construct a manure acidification installation, working directly with dairy farmers to implement this solution [1].
Strategic Partnerships and Development
In early 2024, Flexiliser strengthened its position by partnering with ROM InWest, a regional development company. Under the guidance of senior business developer Stef Mellema, the company has expanded its network and gained access to progressive farmers for direct consultation and feedback [1]. The initiative has gained significant attention as the Netherlands focuses on sustainable agricultural practices through innovative hydrogen applications [2].
Future Prospects and Implementation
Looking ahead, Flexiliser aims to implement their manure management solution within the next 1-2 years [1]. The company envisions a future where dairy farmers can benefit from decentralized production of green hydrogen, ammonia, and nitric acid on their own land [1]. As of March 2025, various Dutch farmers’ organizations are actively evaluating the potential of hydrogen technology in agricultural applications [2], with technology demonstrations scheduled for April 2025 [2].