Netherlands Eyes Green Hydrogen Imports to Combat Climate Change
Amsterdam, Thursday, 13 November 2025.
The Netherlands aims to become a leader in green hydrogen production, focusing on bridging a €2.4 billion financing gap for imports. Only two hydrogen plants are under construction.
Blending Finance for a Greener Future
The use of blended finance to support the large-scale import of green hydrogen in the Netherlands has emerged as a strategic component in the nation’s energy transition. Eduard de Visser, director of Strategy & Innovation at Port of Amsterdam, and Dolores de Rooij, senior business development manager at Invest-NL, have played pivotal roles in this initiative. Their research indicates that green hydrogen is crucial to reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change challenges [1].
Addressing the Financial Gap
A recent case study commissioned by the Port of Amsterdam and Invest-NL found a significant financing gap of approximately €2.4 billion between 2030 and 2040 for green hydrogen imports. This gap arises because the anticipated sales price in the initial phase is expected to be lower than the production cost. However, projections suggest that after 2042, the project could yield a return of around €2 billion over its lifetime, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of such investments [1].
Strategic Solutions and Market Potential
To bridge the financing gap, the report proposes several solutions, including Contract-for-Difference agreements, where the government compensates the difference when market prices fall below a set level. Other suggested measures include subordinated loans and regulatory adjustments to offer greater certainty to investors and expedite the development of a stable hydrogen market. Despite the current financial non-viability, a combination of these strategies is seen as the most promising approach to mitigate risks across the value chain [1].
The Role of the Port of Amsterdam
The Port of Amsterdam is positioned as a key hub for the import of green hydrogen into northwest Europe. The case study conducted by the Port and Invest-NL not only serves as a blueprint for potential imports but also underscores the necessity of collaboration between public and private entities to overcome existing barriers. As the Netherlands government projects that up to 50% of green hydrogen will be imported by 2050, the port’s strategic location and infrastructure make it an ideal gateway for these imports [1].