New R&D call: €20.3 million grant is available for hydrogen and green electrons for nitrogen-based chemistry

An information meeting will be held on 4th June in Utrecht for all interested parties to understand further details of the call and the procedure.

Register now for the information meeting on June 4

About this call

Nitrogen plays a vital role in living cells and is present in many natural compounds. Modern society reaps significant benefits from the synthesis of nitrogen-containing (bioactive) compounds, which are used in the production of fertilisers and sustainable plastics. Many synthesis pathways for nitrogen-containing molecules use ammonia (NH3) as a raw material.

The production and use of ammonia and its derivatives is energy intensive and generates substantial CO2 emissions. The production of grey hydrogen for ammonia accounts for 1.5% of the world’s total energy needs and 7% of the Netherlands’ CO2 emissions. Within this theme, our focus is on this major challenge.

The call focuses on developing and demonstrating cost-effective technologies for producing nitrogen-containing chemical compounds using renewable hydrogen in thermochemical processes as well as direct electrochemical, photochemical & plasma chemical conversion methods. The program aims to contribute towards the large-scale implementation of these sustainable technologies and establish the Netherlands as a world leader in contemporary nitrogen chemistry.

Research themes

The research within this call addresses two main areas:
1. Thermocatalytic synthesis of NH3 and C-N bond containing commodity compounds
2. Direct electrochemical, plasma chemical, and photochemical conversion to produce useful nitrogen-containing compounds

The research targets a wide range of nitrogen-containing commodity chemicals essential for various industries, including fertilizers, polymers, solvents, medicines, and food ingredients. Ultimately, this call seeks to foster research that contributes to a more sustainable and efficient production of vital nitrogen-based chemicals and helps address environmental challenges related to nitrogen surplus.

Special procedure: one consortium, one project plan

NWO will open a call for the R&D Theme 5: Hydrogen and green electrons for nitrogen-based chemistry on May 8th. From then on, companies and knowledge institutions can apply to participate in co-creating the proposal and building the consortium. One national consortium of companies and researchers will be formed to submit one comprehensive project plan.

Demand from industry is central to the research.
Companies can apply for grants (for up to 40%).
There is no direct competition between grant applicants. Parties will work together on one project plan.
To build the project plan, parties participate in two workshops of 2.5 days each, in September and October 2025.

Information session on the 4th June

GroenvermogenNL and NWO are organising an information meeting on R&D Theme 6: Hydrogen and green electrons for nitrogen-based chemistry on 4th June. During this meeting, participants will get all information about the call and participation in the R&D consortium. We encourage you to join. Registration is essential.

Location: Utrecht, Congresgebouw de Vereeniging  Mariaplaats 14, 3511 LJ Utrecht
 Time: 15:00 – 17:00 (including networking drinks)

Timeline of important dates

Call opens: 8 May 2025
Deadline to register for workshops: 3 July 2025, by 14:00
First preparatory workshop: 22-24 September 2025
Second preparatory workshop: 27-29 October 2025
Proposal delivery deadline: 22 January 2026, 14:00