Unlocking Noord-Holland’s Industrial Potential: Hydrogen’s Role in the Region’s Energy Transition

On March 28th, 2025, the ACID Amsterdam conference hosted an engaging panel discussion titled “Unlocking Noord-Holland’s Industrial Potential” at Vrije Universiteit. The session explored the pivotal role that the Noord-Holland region will play in Europe’s hydrogen transition, with a focus on chemistry and hydrogen carriers. Key stakeholders from academia, industry, and government gathered to address the challenges and opportunities of integrating hydrogen solutions in the region’s diverse industrial sectors, including steel, aviation, shipping, and chemicals. 

The panel featured Mark Hoolwerf from the Port of Amsterdam, Bart van der Meer of EVOS, Professor Chris Slootweg from the University of Amsterdam, and Wilmar van Grondelle from the City of Amsterdam, with TNO’s Monalisa Goswami serving as the moderator. The discussion delved into the current state of hydrogen production, the progress made over the past year, and the crucial need for collaboration across the entire value chain to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen. 

 A Complex Yet Promising Path Forward 

Mark Hoolwerf opened the session by highlighting the Port of Amsterdam’s efforts in developing sustainable hydrogen supply chains. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry players like EVOS to ensure the successful transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen. He noted that while significant technological progress has been made, the current economic climate presents challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the hydrogen economy. 

Professor Chris Slootweg reflected on the shift in perspective over the past few years, particularly regarding hydrogen transport. He shared that while hydrogen production via electrolysis is still costly, new methods like Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) have emerged as realistic solutions for importing clean hydrogen. He emphasized that, although the costs of electrolysers have remained high, innovative transport solutions like LOHCs are providing a feasible alternative. 

 Overcoming Economic and Technological Barriers 

Bart van der Meer of EVOS discussed the logistical challenges of hydrogen storage and transport. He explained that while importing hydrogen from countries with abundant cheap energy, like Southern Europe, presents a cost-effective solution, the infrastructure required to transport it safely remains a key hurdle. He also highlighted that collaboration across borders and industries is crucial, particularly in the face of competition from low-cost energy regions. 

Meanwhile, Wilmar van Grondelle, representing the City of Amsterdam, emphasized the role of the municipality in facilitating the energy transition. He pointed out that while hydrogen is seen as a crucial element in the city’s energy strategy, local governance and policy will play a critical role in the successful implementation of hydrogen technologies. Wilmar van Grondelle also discussed the importance of social acceptance, pointing out that the public’s concerns about safety and feasibility must be addressed transparently. 

 The Path Forward: Circular Economy and Innovation 

The panelists also touched on the growing importance of circular chemistry and the potential for reusing existing infrastructure. Bart van der Meer spoke about LOHC technology, using the metaphor of a sponge to describe how it absorbs and releases hydrogen. He noted that while the process is energy-intensive, it remains competitive when compared to other hydrogen storage methods. Bart van der Meer also discussed the environmental benefits of reusing LOHC carriers, which can significantly reduce CO2 footprints over time. 

The conversation shifted to regulatory challenges, with Mark Hoolwerf and Bart van der Meer acknowledging the lack of clear, consistent policies surrounding hydrogen production and use. They agreed that a more stable regulatory framework is essential for ensuring the competitiveness of the European hydrogen economy. However, there was also hope from Chris Slootweg, that as new technologies and methods, such as methane pyrolysis and white hydrogen, continue to emerge, they will offer solutions that further reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen production. 

 A Bright Future for Hydrogen in Noord-Holland 

As the discussion concluded, the panelists were optimistic about the role Noord-Holland will play in Europe’s hydrogen future. The region’s robust industrial clusters, combined with the growing collaboration across sectors and borders, position it as a leader in the transition to a sustainable energy economy. 

Mark Hoolwerf expressed confidence that with continued innovation and strategic planning, the hydrogen economy will provide new opportunities and economic value for Europe. He emphasized that the region must act decisively to ensure it does not fall behind in the global energy transition. 

The session was a clear demonstration of the collective drive to overcome challenges and build a sustainable future. As the energy transition unfolds, the Port of Amsterdam and its partners are at the forefront, working towards a greener, more competitive Europe. The panel discussion highlighted the critical need for collaboration, technological innovation, and a clear policy framework to fully unlock the potential of hydrogen and drive the region’s industrial transformation. 

Setting the Scene for the Upcoming H2A Symposium 

As the panel wrapped up, the conversation naturally turned towards the future of hydrogen in Noord-Holland and beyond. This discussion is setting the stage for the upcoming H2A Symposium on June 19th, which will further explore these themes in depth. This year’s edition of the symposium, “Making the Leap: Achieving Breakthroughs in Hydrogen Imports,” will focus on the current status of the global hydrogen sector and how it is evolving to meet the challenges of large-scale hydrogen importation. 

The symposium will address the critical question of how to tackle some of the bottlenecks identified during the panel discussion, particularly in relation to the realization of import supply chains. Experts will discuss the technical, logistical, and regulatory hurdles that must be overcome to scale up hydrogen imports and ensure that the supply chain is fully integrated. Participants will explore solutions that work for a seamless, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen economy, with a particular focus on hydrogen carriers, transportation infrastructure, and the role of policy and innovation. 

As the hydrogen economy continues to grow, the H2A Symposium will provide a unique platform for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate and drive forward the breakthroughs needed to make hydrogen imports a practical and scalable solution. The insights and partnerships formed at the symposium will play a key role in shaping the future of hydrogen and ensuring that Noord-Holland, and Europe, remain at the forefront of this critical energy transition. 

We look forward to seeing how this year’s discussions will continue to build on the momentum created at the ACID Amsterdam panel and help to make the leap toward a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.