How can the Netherlands become a frontrunner in circular electrolysers?
Roadmap for circular electrolysers
Commissioned by the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, a product team from the hydrogen sector developed a roadmap for circular electrolysers in 2025. The roadmap identifies 18 circular solutions, of which three, with the highest urgency, strongest support and greatest impact—have been further elaborated. These focus on avoiding PFAS and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), and reducing the use of iridium.
What are circular electrolysers?
Circular electrolysers are designed to maximise the lifespan of materials. This includes making components easy to repair, reuse or recycle. It is also important that as few scarce raw materials as possible are required for their production.
Opportunities for the Netherlands
The product team calls in the roadmap for joint action to accelerate the development, scale-up and implementation of circular solutions. This can help reduce the cost of electrolysers and renewable hydrogen, while enabling the Netherlands to build a robust industry with a strong international competitive position.
Research into circular solutions
As part of the roadmap, engineering and consultancy firm Ekinetix conducted a further assessment for Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). In collaboration with companies, knowledge institutions and policy organisations, a recent report maps which circular solutions for electrolysers are being developed in the Netherlands, who is involved, their current status, and what support is needed to accelerate breakthroughs.
Recommendations
The researchers observe that circularity is gaining momentum, but that targeted policy is needed to position the Dutch manufacturing industry as a European frontrunner in circular electrolysis technology. They highlight the importance of dedicated subsidy schemes, public testing and validation facilities, value chain integration and standardisation. In addition, they emphasise the need for industrial policy, the stimulation of circular business models, and positioning the Netherlands as a testbed within European programmes.
Targeted support, collaboration and standardisation
“The transition to circular electrolysis is not a distant vision, but a necessary step to make the hydrogen value chain robust, affordable and sustainable,” the report concludes. “With targeted support, collaboration and standardisation, the Netherlands can develop into a frontrunner in circular electrolysis technology over the next decade, contributing not only to climate goals but also to a strong and strategically autonomous manufacturing industry.”
Role for GroenvermogenNL
The researchers repeatedly refer to GroenvermogenNL as a key enabler of the transition to circular electrolysis. Within the HyPRO project, companies, universities and suppliers collaborate on disruptive solutions, including PFAS-free membranes and the reduction of PGMs.
Electrolyser Competence Centre
GroenvermogenNL has also recently established the Community of Practice Electrolysis. However, the researchers note that the need for collaboration is greater. They recommend facilitating an Electrolyser Competence Centre: an open platform for knowledge sharing, standardisation, testing capacity and coordination of joint research activities. Neutral coordination is essential in this regard.
“It could be embedded within existing structures such as GroenvermogenNL, High Tech NL or HyScaling and would serve as a central hub connecting policy, industry and research,” the report states. “It would function as a central hub between policy, industry and research.”