Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that plays a key role in making industrial processes more sustainable. In our region, hydrogen is already produced and used on a large scale. In fact, our region is home to the largest hydrogen cluster in the Benelux. Within the Hydrogen theme, the focus is on replacing grey hydrogen – produced with fossil energy – with low-carbon variants such as blue and green hydrogen. Collaboration on this theme contributes to the realisation of a future-proof, CO₂-free hydrogen system.

This offers enormous opportunities for our region. Thanks to its strategic location, the availability of renewable energy and a strong industrial cluster, the region can develop into a leading hydrogen hub in Europe. Local production, import, export and use of hydrogen are connected via a cross-border infrastructure network of pipelines and logistics connections. This strengthens the competitive position of the region and accelerates the energy transition.

Essential success factors for the hydrogen transition are the availability of sufficient sustainable electricity, a robust infrastructure for production, storage and transport, and intensive collaboration between governments, grid operators, companies and knowledge institutions. Only by properly coordinating these elements can hydrogen develop into a vehicle for sustainable growth for the region.