Brabant invests over 3 million euros in innovative hydrogen technology

's-Hertogenbosch, December 6, 2024 – Brabant is taking the lead in the sustainable production of hydrogen. Today marks the launch of a unique collaboration between seven leading companies, knowledge institutions, the Province of North Brabant, and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) to produce hydrogen more efficiently and sustainably. The province is investing over 3 million euros in this innovation coalition, officially launched today at Fluidwell in Veghel.

Hydrogen plays a key role in making our energy supply more sustainable. It can serve as fuel for heavy transport, as a storage medium during peak loads on the electricity grid, and as a green building block for the chemical industry. However, current production remains expensive and often relies on scarce raw materials.

"With this coalition, we are bringing together knowledge institutions, high-tech companies, and the province to drive groundbreaking innovations in hydrogen technology," says Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen. "We are doing this with a clear ambition: contributing to green growth and the earning capacity of the future. By realizing concrete projects, we are strengthening the Brabant hydrogen ecosystem."

Groundbreaking innovations

In this coalition, TNO Holst Centre, Fluidwell, Heattec, Adsensys, SALD, SparkNano, and VDL are working together on various breakthroughs. TNO Holst Centre is developing a new generation of electrolyzers that use up to 90% less of the scarce material iridium. Heattec is working on a modular electrolyzer for local hydrogen production, while Adsensys is developing a mobile hydrogen production and refueling station. Fluidwell and VDL, with partners, are focusing on improvements to critical components such as membranes. SparkNano and SALD are developing special coating techniques to minimize the use of costly materials.

Economic impact for Brabant

The coalition aims to position Brabant-based companies as key suppliers in the growing European hydrogen market. This could create hundreds of new highly skilled jobs in the province. In addition to technological innovation, the coalition also focuses on talent development through rapid training programs and international collaboration, particularly with partners in Germany.

Over the next three years, the partners will work intensively on these innovations. The first tangible results are expected at the beginning of 2025. With this coalition, Brabant strengthens its position as a frontrunner in sustainable energy technology.

Information and press releases can be found on the Province of North Brabant's website: www.brabant.nl/pers.
For more information about this press release, please contact Jeroen Hellebrekers at jhellebrekers@brabant.nl or +31 6-52794539.