Hygro, SoluForce and the Dutch Egyptian Business Development Company (DEBCO) have signed an agreement with the Suez Canal Economic Region to develop and produce green hydrogen. Parties will investigate the feasibility of implementing the Duwaal project in one of the ports in this area.
Duwaal is active in North Holland North with the development of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem with windmills that supply hydrogen on location. In the new collaboration with the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) the intention is to also integrate solar energy. The proposed project 'Wind & Solar to Wheel in Egypt' aligns with Egypt’s long-term sustainability goals. The Suez Canal Economic Region provides a favorable environment for large-scale production of green hydrogen. The area aims to become a major renewable energy hub in the Middle East and exporter to Europe, contributing to Egypt’s ambition to become a regional core player in green energy production.
The North Holland company Soluforce is laying pipelines for hydrogen and is working all over the world. Director Robert-Jan Berg emphasizes the importance of small-scale production for the local acceptance of hydrogen to achieve large import targets. “The 'Wind & Solar to Wheel in Egypt' project accelerates the local acceptance of hydrogen and at the same time supports the global energy transition. Our experience with similar international projects enables us to make a valuable contribution to this initiative, with the possibility of replication in countries such as Namibia, Chile and Morocco.”
Hygro is one of the driving forces in the Duwaal project and is responsible for the technical design and implementation of all components within the hydrogen chain. This includes the development of wind turbines, electrolysis units, pipelines, compressor stations, storage facilities, fuel stations and distribution systems. In addition, Hygro's iBundle control system and patents contribute to the operation of the entire project.
Jan Willem Langeraar, one of the founders of Hygro, notes that the international roll-out of Duwaal contributes to economies of scale and lower prices. “As more projects are rolled out, the costs decrease. This improves the financial feasibility and accelerates the development of a green hydrogen chain. The Duwaal project in Egypt will replace diesel with competitively priced hydrogen, which benefits both Egypt and the Netherlands.”
The consortium, which includes Hygro and Soluforce as well as the Dutch Egyptian Business Development Company (Debco), will conduct a feasibility study, supported by the DHI subsidy from the RVO. This includes the selection of the most suitable location for the production of green hydrogen and the placement of filling stations. The study will also investigate the regulatory possibilities and restrictions in Egypt.
Caption header photo: Signing ceremony with SCZone Chairman, Waleid Gamal Eldien, in the presence of Marjolein Jongman, Head of Economic Affairs at the Dutch Embassy in Egypt.
