HyTROS: applied research into transport and storage

In Europe, the Netherlands ranks as the second-largest hydrogen producer. As it stands, the vast majority of hydrogen is sourced from fossil fuels. The Netherlands is aiming to reach 4GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. Key questions around scaling up green hydrogen production centre on whether the existing onshore and offshore natural gas system can be repurposed for hydrogen, where new assets are required, and how to ensure the new energy system operates safely, cost-effectively, and with public support. This calls for further research into hydrogen production, transport, and storage across the entire hydrogen value chain.

HyTROS: objectives and actions

The objective of HyTROS (Hydrogen Transport, Offshore, and Storage) is to provide a platform for research into transport (particularly via pipelines), above ground and underground storage, offshore transport and storage, and safety.

The HyTROS consortium was formed using a pioneering procedure developed by the GroenvermogenNL Growth Fund Programme in collaboration with NWO. In the course of two intensive workshops, each lasting three days, everyone involved helped to finalise the project proposal, which has since been approved. Typically, several proposals are submitted in a competitive setting. In this procedure, stakeholders were challenged to work in a spirit of national co-creation. It was a great success! The HyTROS consortium consists of 10 universities, 3 research institutes, 2 universities of applied sciences, and seventeen industrial partners. The HyTROS programme brings together all of the national and regional network operators that will handle hydrogen transport, prospective storage operators and suppliers of onshore and offshore pipeline installations, alongside inspection and maintenance services.

University of Groningen, Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University, University of Amsterdam, University of Twente, Utrecht University, CWI, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, TNO, Deltares, VSL, HyET E-Trol, Shell Global Solutions International, N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, EBN, Nobian Industrial Chemicals, Allseas Group SA, Worley Nederland, DNV Netherlands, Netbeheer Nederland, SKF, Neptune Energy, Voyex, Aliaxis, Fluidwell, TAQA Energy, ONE-Dyas.