In a landmark move to accelerate the green energy transition, the Dutch government has awarded nearly €1 billion in subsidies to 11 pioneering green hydrogen projects.
The winners of the competitive auction were announced this week, marking a significant milestone in the Netherlands’ ambition to become a European leader in renewable hydrogen production.
A Strategic Step Towards Net-Zero Goals
The funding, part of the first round of the OPEH (Operating Subsidy Scheme for Electrolysis) programme, is designed to support the development of large-scale electrolysers powered by renewable electricity. These electrolysers will produce green hydrogen, a clean fuel considered vital for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, transport, and chemicals.
Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten, stated:
“This is a major step towards making green hydrogen a viable, competitive alternative to fossil fuels in our economy. By investing early, we are securing our energy future and reducing dependence on imported gas.”
Key Winners and Project Scope
While the full list of winning bidders has not been publicly disclosed, the projects selected are expected to contribute over 1 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. Several industry leaders, including Shell, BP, and Nobian, are reported to be among the recipients, with projects concentrated in key industrial hubs such as Rotterdam, Groningen, and Zeeland.
Each winning project will receive operational subsidies designed to bridge the gap between the cost of green hydrogen and its fossil-derived counterparts, ensuring competitiveness during the scale-up phase.
Boost to the Dutch and European Hydrogen Economy
This announcement comes at a critical time as the EU pushes ahead with its Green Deal and REPowerEU strategy, which identifies green hydrogen as a cornerstone of energy independence and decarbonisation.
For the Netherlands, the auction forms part of a broader strategy to install up to 4 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. The new projects will also bolster local employment, infrastructure development, and innovation in the clean energy sector.
A Cornerstone
The Dutch government’s allocation of nearly €1 billion in green hydrogen subsidies is a powerful signal of Europe’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. As electrolyser technology and renewable integration advance, green hydrogen is poised to become a cornerstone of clean, resilient, and independent energy systems.
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