Sustainable hydrogen supplier HYGRO has announced that the first construction phase of a hydrogen turbine starts on the ECN Wind Turbine test field in Wieringermeer. The project is part of “Duwaal”, a green hydrogen initiative that aims to develop the green hydrogen distribution regionally. Enercon supplies the wind turbine as part of the hydrogen turbine. A hydrogen turbine is a wind turbine to which electrolysis is directly connected. Due to this integration, the turbine produces both electricity and green hydrogen.
The wind turbine is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2021. During the project, the wind turbine and electrolysis are still physically separated, but will be aligned to each other. This alignment prevents conversion steps with its associated energy losses. For this project, Enercon supplies a 4 MW turbine with a maximum height of 180 meters.
Hugo Groenemans, CEO of HYGRO said: “We have been working on the green hydrogen production and distribution chain for some time. The preliminary phase was a challenge, as usual with innovations. This next step shows that other parties recognise the solution as well. Together with Triodos Bank and Meewind, we are starting the green hydrogen production and distribution chain.”
Wesley Vedder from Triodos Bank elucidates: “We have been a frontrunner in the financing of sustainable energy projects for years now. The financing of this hydrogen turbine is a logical next step to further accelerate the energy transition.”
Willem Smelik, director Meewind: “Meewind is convinced that sustainable (green) hydrogen is key for the energy transition in the Netherlands. This investment shows that we, together with our partners are taking the lead to enable the industry, as well as the mobility and agricultural sector to become an emission free sector. We look forward to the investment decision making process for the next phase of the project, aimed at developing a sustainable and local hydrogen chain.”
