Workshop and Site Visit in Drenthe, Netherlands

On 30th September, all project partners gathered in Drenthe for our first workshop and site visit. The event focused on understanding the regional model for planning Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS) infrastructure, while discussing key aspects such as licensing, economic profitability, and safety requirements.

The aim of this meeting was to strengthen our partners’ capacity to combine HRS infrastructure with specific economic activities (especially interregional transport corridors with urban applications) in order to justify investments and ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

The workshop included the following study visits, each emphasizing vital elements for advancing hydrogen initiatives:

• The visit to RESATO’s headquarters in Assen provided participants with essential insights into the business case for hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) and the broader hydrogen ecosystem.
• At OV Bureau’s offices in Groningen, participants gained valuable knowledge on how to integrate hydrogen mobility into public transport systems, including both strategic and operational considerations.
• The site visit to H2 Hollandia offered several key takeaways for developing a local ecosystem to build a Hydrogen Valley in the Netherlands. It emphasized the importance of integrating various components of the hydrogen value chain, from production to end-use applications.
• Next, the visit to the solar park and the Municipality of Groningen depot highlighted how hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) planning can be aligned with energy and spatial planning, alongside the vital role of public-private partnerships in supporting regional green transitions.
• Finally, the visit to Groningen Airport Eelde underscored the need for a holistic approach, training, and strong collaborations to create a sustainable Hydrogen Valley.

Stay tuned for the summary report, where Drenthe will share more detailed insights from the workshop!