Hydrogen can play an important role in the energy transition, primarily in heavy goods transport, ports and industry (for high-temperature processes and as a raw material). The backbone is intended to connect the five major industrial clusters, import and storage locations and cross-border links.

Because the backbone passes through several provinces, there are opportunities for regional branches that can supply hydrogen to users beyond these major clusters. This is why the province of Gelderland wished to identify locations that can be served within the framework of the provincial Multiyear Programme for Energy and Climate Infrastructure.

To identify the potential locations, we held many conversations with industry representatives, sector organisations, grid operators and local authorities. The assessment included various criteria, including the scale of the potential demand for hydrogen, the distance to the hydrogen backbone, the presence of local initiatives and the level of support from local authorities.

This assessment identified specific locations where branches add value for industry, mobility and the construction sector in the region. Hydrogen may also play a role in peak and backup facilities for heat grids at these locations.
We also analysed the procedures for requesting and developing branches and regional infrastructure, as well as the potential bottlenecks.

With this study, we have provided the provincial administration and other relevant local authorities with specific tools to get started with the development of regional hydrogen infrastructure in the short term. In this way, Witteveen+Bos contributes to accelerating the energy transition, both regionally and nationally.