A powerful ecosystem is developing around hydrogen in North Holland North, in which Alkmaar plays a central role. With strategic infrastructure, innovative projects and strong collaboration between government, business and knowledge institutions, Alkmaar positions itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable energy.
Alkmaar has a unique combination of existing and new energy infrastructure. The proximity of the Bergermeer underground gas storage facility offers opportunities for large-scale hydrogen storage, while the Boekelermeer business park is developing into an Energy Innovation Park with various initiatives in the field of sustainable energy. This combination makes Alkmaar an ideal location for the development of a regional hydrogen system.
Several projects have been started on the Boekelermeer industrial estate that contribute to the development of a local hydrogen ecosystem. An important initiative is the H2Hub, the construction of a local pipeline network for the storage and distribution of hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced using an electrolyser, powered by a biogasifier at Investa. In addition, hydrogen is produced through gasification. The project aims for a gradual expansion, ultimately involving multiple suppliers and customers, and a connection to the European H2Backbone.
Investa, the expertise centre for gasification technology and sustainable molecules, plays a central role in these developments. Here, entrepreneurs, researchers and governments work together on innovative hydrogen and green gas initiatives. Investa also functions as a test location for the PosHYdon project, in which green hydrogen is produced on a former oil and gas platform.
Another notable project is Sustenso, which is building a digester on the Boekelermeer for the processing of 100,000 tons of green waste per year, good for the production of approximately 8 million m³ of green gas. The green waste is supplied by gardeners from the Alkmaar area and consists of waste from greenhouse horticulture, cocoa residues, grain residues and roadside grass. The green gas is supplied directly to the grid.
In addition, there is the Hynoca project, in which biomass is converted into hydrogen via a thermal process. In addition to hydrogen, biochar is also produced, which can serve as a soil improver and for the production of biocomposite. The hydrogen is sold via the NXT filling station of GP Groot.
The first hydrogen filling station in the Alkmaar region has also been opened on Boekelermeer by NXT Mobility, part of the GP Groot group. Here, both trucks and buses (350 bar) and passenger cars (700 bar) can refuel with hydrogen. The station is part of the 'From wind to wheel' project, which focuses on the development of a green hydrogen economy in North Holland. Regional production of hydrogen with the Hygro hydrogen wind turbine plays an important role in this.
The opening of the hydrogen filling station marks an important step in making regional mobility more sustainable. Alderman Christiaan Peetoom of Alkmaar emphasized the local impact: “Driving on hydrogen in and around Alkmaar has become a real option, partly due to this initiative.”
Alkmaar has been selected as the first 'Renewable Energy Valley' within the European REFORMERS project (Regional Ecosystems FOR Multiple Energy Resilient Systems). This project focuses on local production and use of renewable energy by business parks in relation to local residents. The 'Flagship Valley' in Alkmaar includes the Boekelermeer business park and surrounding residential and agricultural areas. The goal is to be self-sufficient in the production and consumption of its own energy needs by means of renewable energy at the end of the project.
Alkmaar is developing into a regional hub in the hydrogen system of North Holland North. With strategic infrastructure, innovative projects on the Boekelermeer and participation in European programs such as REFORMERS, Alkmaar contributes to the transition to a sustainable and circular economy. The collaboration between government, business and knowledge institutions is essential in this and forms the basis for a future-proof hydrogen ecosystem.
