Hydrogen pilot project SinneWetterstof in Friesland terminated
The SinneWetterstof pilot in Oosterwolde (Friesland), a collaboration between grid operator Alliander and renewable energy developer GroenLeven, is being terminated. During this pilot, both parties investigated whether the production of green hydrogen could be a solution to combat congestion on the electricity grid. Now that the first experiences have been gained, it is being investigated whether the hydrogen installation in Oosterwolde can be transferred to another owner.
In 2022, Alliander opened the very first domestic hydrogen factory in Oosterwolde next to a solar park developed by GroenLeven. With this, both parties wanted to investigate with a small-scale electrolyser how hydrogen can play a role in the congestion problem on the electricity grid. The research examined, among other things, whether traffic jams on the electricity grid can be reduced or prevented and whether hydrogen is a solution to prevent expansion of the grid.
At the start of the pilot, the intention was to produce 100,000 kilograms of hydrogen annually. Due to various challenges in the start-up of the installation, this objective has not yet been achieved. Nevertheless, green hydrogen has been produced on a limited scale in the past period with various system tests. However, this was insufficient to answer the original learning objectives. The tests carried out did provide several useful insights into the way in which an electrolyser can function alongside a solar park, for example. An important lesson is also that the suppliers of components for this type of installation were not yet optimally attuned to each other. In addition, much was still unclear in the permit procedure at the start of the pilot. For the permit issuer, this pilot has therefore provided frameworks for granting permits. All in all, the pilot has gained valuable insights into the production of green hydrogen for both Alliander and GroenLeven. This contributes to the joint mission to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable energy system.
The development of hydrogen production is not standing still. There are also now more options to prevent congestion on the electricity grid. For example, with flexible contracts. This allows entrepreneurs to make specific agreements with the grid operator to supply their generated electricity under certain conditions. Now that electrolysers are increasingly emerging as part of a new energy system, it is no longer necessary for Alliander to maintain its own electrolyser. It has therefore been decided to end the SinneWetterstof pilot earlier than the planned five years.
In the coming weeks, Alliander will complete the tests. In addition, a party is being sought that wants to take over the hydrogen installation. After a takeover, Alliander will no longer be involved and will therefore no longer carry out any tests. However, Alliander will continue to emphasise the importance of hydrogen. After all, hydrogen will play a major role in the energy transition. New initiatives are emerging in many places that are being followed with interest by the network company.