Norwegian energy producer Statkraft will investigate the development of an electrolyser in the Port of Den Helder. Statkraft's first electrolyser in the Netherlands will be located on the East Bank and will convert generated renewable electricity into green hydrogen, making green hydrogen available to local consumers in the first instance.
The investment by Europe's largest renewable energy producer is part of the green hydrogen project 'Zephyros' and makes a substantial contribution to the sustainability of the Port of Den Helder, and the Hydrogen Valley in North Holland. Statkraft ultimately wants to achieve 15 to 20 thousand tons of green hydrogen production per year. However, the realization of the project will take place step by step, with Zephyros as the starting point.
Initially the plan was to start with a 2 Megawatt electrolyser, but it has now been decided to scale this up to 6 Megawatt (approximately the annual consumption of 10-20 inland vessels). Later, Statkraft wants to scale up to 150 MW (45 vessels). The start of Phase 1 is planned for the end of 2027, the permit application has been submitted.
Statkraft wants to feed the electrolyser with renewable electricity from wind energy. "In consultation with the suppliers, we will produce more hydrogen if there is a surplus of wind energy. In this way, we contribute to relieving the burden on the national energy network with the electrolyser," says Yusuf Kilic of Statkraft Nederland in an interview with WaterstofNHN.
The generated hydrogen will initially be supplied to local consumers, with distribution taking place via road and water transport. If hydrogen production is further scaled up in a second phase, consumers will also be sought outside the region and there will most likely be a connection to the national hydrogen network.
