First hydrogen wind turbine for sustainable fuel to be sited in the Netherlands
The wind turbine will be producing hydrogen for the Duwaal project, the initiative of a wind-ranging consortium in the North Holland region led by HYGRO. The consortium’s aim is to implement the chain of sustainable hydrogen production, distribution to at least 5 hydrogen fuel stations and 100 hydrogen trucks simultaneously.
The 4.8 MW Lagerwey wind turbine will be converted to allow it to incorporate electrolysis technology. Integration of both proven technologies will enable many components to be omitted, making the hydrogen production cheaper, more efficient and more robust.
The hydrogen wind turbine, the first of its kind, is to be demonstrated on ECN’s wind turbine testing field at Wieringerwerf. In the future, wind turbines will ideally be connected up to a hydrogen gas network rather than an electricity grid. Transporting hydrogen by pipeline is significantly cheaper than transporting electricity by cable. Furthermore, pipelines serve as an inherent buffer, as a result of which significantly less harmonisation of supply and demand is required, one of the challenges that ‘regular’ wind and solar energy face. The sustainably produced hydrogen will be used within the compass of the Duwaal project in so-called fuel cell electric trucks. In addition to preventing CO2 emissions, this will also dispense with noise nuisance and emissions of NOx- and particulate matter. Hence the project will show how future energy infrastructure could take shape.
About HYGRO
HYGRO produces and supplies sustainable hydrogen by organising and coordinating the hydrogen chain. It does so through cooperation, integration and optimisation, creating value for all stakeholders in the chain. End users perceive hydrogen to be sustainable, safe, affordable and handy. HYGRO: ‘enabling hydrogen from wind to wheel’. www.hy-gro.nl
About Lagerwey
Lagerweys’ key values are quality and simplicity. The company designs and manufactures wind turbines in-house, specialising in turnkey projects that include a complete service and maintenance package. Lagerwey has provided the world with clean and reliable wind power since 1979, mainly thanks to the long-term relationships it forges with its partners.
About ECN
ECN is the Netherlands’ largest research institute in the field of energy. With around 500 staff, ECN develops new technologies and carries out pioneering research in various ways into innovative solutions to enable the transition to sustainable energy management. ECN is actively involved in projects both within the Netherlands and abroad, collaborating with industry, governments and research institutes in terms of solar energy, wind energy, biomass, energy efficiency and environmental research and energy engineering. ECN has sites at Petten, Amsterdam and Eindhoven. The ECN wind turbine testing field is located in Wieringerwerf (North Holland).
About Duwaal
The Duwaal project now encompasses a sizeable number of parties crucial to the chain from wind to wheel. Duwaal’s initial focus is the province of North Holland, and it will consist of the following elements:
- Hydrogen from wind
- Network of 5 fuel stations in the North Holland region:
- Refuelling 350 & 700 bar
- Hydrogen cost price equal to diesel fuel costs
- 100 hydrogen trucks
- Waste collection trucks & box trucks with cooling system
- Operational lease including hydrogen
Duwaal is being actively supported by Energy Valley, which envisages a significant role for hydrogen in the future economy. Development company NHN is encouraging the plan due to it contributing to the rapid development of the Energy & Health Campus in Petten and it presenting opportunities for new jobs in the region.