Hydrogen Policy in the Netherlands: Laying the Foundations for a Scalable Hydrogen Value Chain

This chapter delves into the Dutch hydrogen strategy, examining the Netherlands’ starting position, its national hydrogen strategy, policy initiatives and the international approach adopted by the Dutch government in the low-carbon hydrogen economy. The Dutch Climate Agreement of 2019 identified low-carbon hydrogen as a key part of the carbon reduction strategy, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. The Netherlands is well-placed to make a substantial contribution to Europe’s low-carbon hydrogen market leveraging its current role as a European energy hub, substantial chemical cluster, strategic North Sea location, offshore wind potential, and existing gas and oil infrastructure. To bolster investment security and scale up the low-carbon hydrogen market by 2030, the Dutch government has opted for a blend of obligations and subsidies. The Dutch government favours hydrogen production through electrolysis from renewable energy, while concurrently allowing for the utilization of hydrogen produced from natural gas with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology where applicable. Internationally, the Netherlands aims to position itself as the central hub for hydrogen in Northwest Europe. This involves linking Dutch domestic production at the North Sea and international exporters with users in industrial clusters across Northwest Europe.