Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri is a practical environment for applications of hydrogen in the agricultural sector in North Holland North. Agricultural entrepreneurs work together with knowledge institutions and governments on hydrogen innovation and infrastructure.
The Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri will function as a physical hotspot for experiments with hydrogen technology and the application of hydrogen in practice. Agricultural entrepreneurs, together with knowledge institutions and governments, gain experience with hydrogen applications and infrastructure. The Fieldlab is a joint initiative of Greenport Noord-Holland Noord, Ontwikkelingsbedrijf NHN, New Energy Coalition and the agricultural entrepreneurs involved (Loonbedrijf Sturm-Jacobs and Rainbow Colors).
In the Fieldlab, participants focus on the following activities:
• Experimenting with hydrogen applications in heavy machinery and vehicles.
• Investigate how they can incorporate hydrogen applications into their business operations and what the impact is on the environment, nature and society.
• Develop education for technicians and other personnel to operate and maintain future hydrogen applications.
• Investigate how hydrogen can be used as a solution to grid congestion and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri has four practical locations, each with its own goal and design when it comes to the realization of hydrogen applications. The emphasis in the project is on 'learning together' and sharing knowledge, with other partners in the project but also with municipalities, banks/insurers, environmental services and other businesses.
Agricultural contractor Sturm-Jabobs, Wieringerwerf
Testing and demonstrating H2 in agricultural implements
At this location we develop, test and demonstrate the entire hydrogen infrastructure. Manufacturers of hydrogen-powered agricultural machinery and vehicles can test the equipment on location. We will also start developing the hydrogen infrastructure within the agricultural company. The hydrogen required for this comes from the nearby hydrogen wind turbine from Hygro.
Rainbow Colors, Andijk
Generation and application of hydrogen in self-sufficient companies
Rainbow Colors in Andijk is a large tulip grower that has now stopped using gas. The company has installed a large number of solar panels on its premises, which generate more energy than it needs for its own use. Due to grid congestion, feeding energy back into the electricity grid is problematic. This is why a plan was developed to convert unused solar energy into (green) hydrogen. By also using the residual heat released during electrolysis for heating, Rainbow Colors expects to be able to become completely self-sufficient in its energy management.
In August 2023, Nieuwe Oogst published an article entitled 'Energy-neutral tulip cultivation with hydrogen'.
Ddownload the article here (pdf): New Harvest article Bas Karsten 25-8-23
Vertify, Zwaagdijk-East
Application of hydrogen in greenhouse heating
Vertify is an agricultural research centre in the field of practice-oriented research. Vertify will realise a heat lab in one of its test greenhouses. This involves the installation of a hydrogen-powered heating system. In this lab, research is conducted into hydrogen-powered heating systems in the greenhouse and their effects on energy management and crop quality in greenhouse horticulture. Together with the partners involved and with interested greenhouse horticulture companies, the first studies, experiments and tests will take place during the project period..
Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Alkmaar.
Living Lab Electrolysis
This project was made possible by a financial contribution from Rabobank and is co-financed by the European Union.
Status: operational
Want to know more about this project? In the WaterstofNHN community you will find more information about the projects and get in touch with the parties involved. Talk to each other, ask questions and discover new opportunities and initiatives for hydrogen.
