Southwestern Netherlands Region

The ‘Actualisatie en beleidsevaluatie Zeeland in Stroomversnelling’ report (Berenschot, 2020) indicates that the innovative strength of Zeeland has fallen when compared to other areas of the Netherlands. ‘The factor on which Zeeland scores much lower than many other regions is public investment in R&D’ (Berenschot, 2020). It indicates that Zeeland must give this additional attention and put in greater investment. The report (Berenschot, 2020) also states: ‘Zeeland has various opportunities when it comes to renewable electricity generation and hydrogen. Where there is collaboration with the existing industry cluster and commitment from the national government, considerable growth can be achieved.’

The objective of this programme is for Zeeland to be self-sufficient in carrying out practical research and supplying employees who will operationally establish the use of new green hydrogen technology and system integration and (3) help to achieve new projects relating to green hydrogen by 2025. The Regional Liaison and his team hope to kick off this programme through this application in 2023. 

Industry in Zeeland is already making investments in the transition to green hydrogen. The first green hydrogen production plants are scheduled for delivery in 2025. The technology being used, electrolysis, which uses sustainably generated electricity, is not, however, currently in use in Zeeland or elsewhere in the Netherlands. Knowledge institutions HZ University of Applied Sciences and Scalda are already offering practical-oriented research and education in offshore wind and are developing green hydrogen programmes with industry.

In Zeeland, knowledge institutions are working with industry at Smart Delta Resources and North Sea Ports. A MoU has also been signed with Orsted on the joint establishment of training and research into green hydrogen in the region. The learning community is being established by knowledge and innovation networks, such as Energy Port Zeeland, for joint work, learning and innovation and to ensure optimal support for the green hydrogen transition.

The knowledge institutions wish to focus on three main areas in Zeeland:

1. Human capital for a practice-oriented research programme aimed at supporting industry in the energy transition (Flex Intensity)
2. A human capital programme focused on the development of the education infrastructure needed to provide the requisite knowledge and capacity for the energy transition
3. A human capital programme focused on the development of a programme of innovation to support the region with the innovations that are needed for the energy transition

Team 

The team comprises:

• Gerben Huiszoon
• Aart-Jan de Graaf
• Gerrit Rentier
• Jacob van Berkel
• Annelise de Smet
• Melissa Dominicus
• Marcia de Nooijer  
• Ivonne Heinen