Hydrogen
From study to design
Hydrogen
Hydrogen plays an important role in the energy transition, especially in sectors where the transition to sustainable energy is challenging, such as industry and mobility. Witteveen+Bos has broad experience in this field: from studies of the role of hydrogen within the energy system to the design of industrial distribution networks.
Overcoming obstacles
Several government studies and analyses, including the 2030-2050 Integrated Infrastructure Outlook (II3050) and the Nationaal Programma Energiesysteem (NPE) identify an essential role for hydrogen in achieving a climate-neutral energy system by 2050.
In the coming years, however, many obstacles must be overcome if hydrogen - and green hydrogen in particular - is to actually fulfil this role. There are applications where (green) hydrogen is not the most optimal solution, due to the production costs for example. The promising markets/domains are those where alternatives are lacking or significantly more expensive.
Complex, multidisciplinary projects
Witteveen+Bos prefers to focus on highly complex, multidisciplinary projects in which we can fully exploit our diverse fields of expertise such as strategy/policy, technology, permits and safety.
Examples include creating an underground hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen storage in caverns or the modular development of large-scale electrolysis. These projects require not only in-depth technical knowledge, but also planning studies and stakeholder management.
Water quality
A reliable water supply (ultrapure water) of the right quality is essential for (green) hydrogen production. We have successfully implemented numerous industrial and drinking water projects in this field and possess the right knowledge and experience.
Safety and, by extension, the issue of permits will play an increasingly important role in scaling up hydrogen applications. Witteveen+Bos has a solid safety portfolio (including experience with PED and ATEX in respect of hydrogen systems) and extensive experience with high/medium/low voltage installations. Thanks to this expertise, coupled with our knowledge and experience regarding permit processes, we can facilitate the implementation of hydrogen projects.
Our focus areas in the context of (green) hydrogen are:
- long-term and short-term storage: specifically caverns, empty gas fields;
- projects in port areas: conversion, import & transshipment, logistics and landfall;
- underground infrastructure: large-scale new construction (including for CCS/CCU), reuse of natural gas infrastructure;
- smart integration of systems, leveraging by-products to optimise the business case;
- energy carrier derivatives: ammonia, methanol and LOHCs, conversion processes, safety.
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