global case study
NetherlandsBayWa r.e. teams all over the world are working to uncover the technological synergies that power the renewables transition. In the Netherlands, we’re researching hydrogen’s ability to bridge the gap between energy generation and grid capacity.
When governments set ambitious renewables targets, their local grid’s capacity can struggle with a huge influx of clean energy. The Netherlands is one such country, where 35TWh of new wind and solar projects planned by 2030 risk straining the grid.
We can solve this problem by converting energy into hydrogen and storing it locally, ensuring no power gets lost. GroenLeven, our Dutch subsidiary, partnered with Alliander in 2022 to demonstrate this principle with our first hydrogen storage project.
The results demonstrate the technological potential of green hydrogen storage; they also clearly show hydrogen’s place in the supply chain. We’ve opened up a new route for people to engage with renewables.
The SinneWetterstof project was developed near the town of Oosterwolde, where we were already overseeing a 50 MWp solar farm. Using a 1.4 MW electrolyser, we converted energy from the farm into green hydrogen. As well as exploring ways to ease overloaded grids, we tested the optimal power ratio between electrolyser and solar farm.
Throughout the project, our use of the electrolyser was determined by local energy production and shifting prices for electricity.
Throughout the project, our use of the electrolyser was determined by local energy production and shifting prices for electricity. Alliander’s input let us fuse expertise in both energy production and grid integration.
That was important because this project was the first of its size to examine the full value chain. Storage had to make good technical and economic sense from energy generation to sale.
Results showed that this site can produce over 100,000 kg of hydrogen per year. For context, that would send the average electric car 10 million km; to the moon and back 13 times.
From a technical perspective, we got a better understanding of how to adapt electrolysers to shifting levels of energy production. When excess energy is being produced, we can now convert it into hydrogen more efficiently.
The pilot’s success resulted in a deal with Dutch green fuel supplier OG Clean Fuel to purchase green hydrogen from SinneWetterstof.
