Noord-Brabant invests €3M+ in this coalition to make hydrogen production more sustainable

The province of Noord-Brabant has invested over €3M in a coalition aimed at advancing sustainable hydrogen production. The initiative involves collaboration with seven companies, knowledge institutions, and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM).

Officially launched at Fluidwell in Veghel, the coalition seeks to position Noord-Brabant as a leader in hydrogen innovation.

What to expect from the coalition?

Hydrogen is essential for a sustainable energy supply, with uses in heavy transport, electricity grid stabilisation, and green chemical production. However, its production is costly and relies on limited raw materials.

The coalition, including TNO Holst Centre, Fluidwell, Heattec, Adsensys, SALD, SparkNano, and VDL is advancing hydrogen production technologies. 

Efforts include TNO’s development of a next-generation electrolyser using 90 per cent less iridium, Heattec’s modular electrolyser for local production, and Adsensys’ mobile hydrogen production and filling station. 

Fluidwell, VDL and Fujifilm are focused on enhancing components like membranes and SparkNano and SALD are developing innovative coatings to reduce valuable material use.

In a statement translated from Dutch, Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, says, “With this coalition, we bring together knowledge institutions, high-tech companies and the province to stimulate groundbreaking innovations in hydrogen technology.”

“We do this with a clear ambition: to contribute to green growth and the earning capacity of the future. By realising concrete projects, we strengthen the Brabant hydrogen ecosystem.”

The Province of Noord-Brabant and BOM have formed a coalition to strengthen the region’s hydrogen manufacturing industry, aiming to position local companies as key suppliers in the European market. 

The initiative could create hundreds of skilled jobs and emphasises technological innovation, talent development through rapid training, and international collaboration, particularly with Germany. 

Educational partners include TU/e, Fontys Hogeschool, Avans Hogeschool, and Summa College.

The partners will collaborate on hydrogen innovations over the next three years, with initial results expected by early 2025. The initiative reinforces Brabant’s role as a “pioneer” in sustainable energy technology.