Hydrogen is increasingly being mentioned in the list of sustainability options for agricultural companies. Hydrogen as an energy carrier is an interesting alternative to diesel engines and battery electric propulsion. However, the agricultural sector is still somewhat reserved when it comes to investments in hydrogen.
Wouter Veefkind, program manager Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri, understands where this hesitation comes from: 'Many growers would like to get started with making their energy supply more sustainable, but are running into practical problems. Problems that are difficult to solve for an individual company. Hydrogen in an agricultural context is also a new subject for chain partners such as banks, insurers and municipalities. The dobstacles they encounter are difficult, but also typical for such an initial phase. We want to make hydrogen easier for all parties and give agricultural entrepreneurs a boost.'
'LTO Noord detaches me to the Fieldlab for one day a week. In this way, LTO Noord is also involved in the consortium. We work with a core team of a few people. Among other things, it is my job to organize knowledge sessions and events and to inspire people to take a look at the locations, so that partners and participants gradually become involved in the project.'
'Each location has its own angle in the process. Agricultural contractor Sturm-Jacobs in Wieringerwerf is being set up as a local hub for refueling and using hydrogen for agricultural vehicles. Rainbow Colors in Andijk focuses on converting unused solar energy into hydrogen, using residual heat released during electrolysis for heating.
'Vertify in Zwaagdijk-Oost is conducting practical research into the application of a hydrogen-powered heating system in greenhouses. And finally, the Living Lab Electrolysis of Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Alkmaar is going to develop education for training technicians who will be working with hydrogen applications.'
'Each of the locations has its own research area, but we do of course ensure that we exchange knowledge. In this way, we want to make as much progress as possible within the three years that the project will last. There is also a cluster of technical and financial parties around the Fieldlab that provide expertise. In this way, we are building a complete hydrogen chain: from demand to supply.'
'We want to learn a lot and share knowledge with the agricultural entrepreneurs in the region. In addition, we also want to lower the thresholds that are part of an innovation trajectory like this. So that we make it easier for entrepreneurs to get started with hydrogen and combine sustainability with a good revenue model.
'The focus of the Fieldlab is on North Holland North; all project partners are located in this region. But that does not necessarily mean that we limit ourselves to this area. After all, to make hydrogen profitable, you need a large sales market. The nice thing is: international players have already come forward who would like to collaborate with us. No, I cannot mention names, but they are interesting parties that can strengthen the project.'
What is the timeline of the Fieldlab project?
'The project consists of three phases of one year each. This first year is dedicated to setting up the basic facilities and applying for permits. We are at the beginning: we do not yet have an electrolysis installation and cannot yet demonstrate a tractor that runs on hydrogen. What we do have are interested parties who would like to talk. About how we can give hydrogen a place in the energy system and make applying for permits and financing easier.
My call is therefore: do you have a question about hydrogen, do you want to organize a knowledge session or do you want to participate in projects? Sign up!'
What steps should an agricultural entrepreneur take if he wants to explore the possibilities of hydrogen for his company?
'First determine for your own company where and how you can produce sustainable energy. Then map your energy flows and inventory how flexible you are. Can you store or convert excess energy? Is there a party that wants to buy green hydrogen? My advice would be to hire an expert. Project partner Hygro can perform energy studies if desired, but you can also hire a consultancy firm.'
What kind of investments should entrepreneurs actually consider?
'Investing in hydrogen is not cheap. You quickly need a few tons. On the other hand, it also yields. And there is an interesting subsidy scheme with which you can cover up to 60% of the investment amount in an electrolyser and the operating costs.'
What do you want to have achieved in three years?
'In three years, we will have a complete hydrogen chain in the region and agricultural companies participating in the project will have realized innovations. I expect that greenhouse growers will then heat their greenhouse with the residual heat released during the electrolysis process and that they will purchase sustainable energy on the imbalance market. And it is conceivable that a number of companies will have a tractor running on hydrogen.'
The Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri is an initiative of Development Company North Holland North, Greenport North Holland North and New Energy Coalition. The project is financed by the European Union, Rabobank and the NEC partners.
