Advanced BioFuels USA

(VoltH2 (Google Translations)) VoltH2 has received a substantial operating subsidy from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) for the production of green hydrogen.

VoltH2 receives this subsidy for its projects in Vlissingen and Terneuzen respectively. These green hydrogen plants have had an environmental permit since Q2 2022 and the projects are now one step closer to realization with the granting of the SDE++ support. After the final investment decision, construction of the factories is expected to start at the latest in early 2024.

Capacity and emission reduction

Both projects are virtually identical and concern a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of approximately 25 MW, which will produce 2,000 tons of green hydrogen annually by means of electrolysis. In a second phase, the capacity of both plants can be expanded to 100 MW, with which 8,500 tons of green hydrogen can be produced annually. It is estimated that an emission reduction of 9 kg CO2 per kg hydrogen can be achieved from 2025, compared to the usual production process for hydrogen of fossil origin (grey hydrogen). 

Significant operating subsidy

SDE++ is the primary subsidy instrument with which the Dutch government wants to stimulate the production of renewable energy and CO2 reduction. The production of green hydrogen was included in the SDE++ in 2020. The subsidy is now being awarded to VoltH2 for the first time for factories with production on an industrial scale. 

The amount of the subsidy awarded depends on the amount of green hydrogen produced and the associated reduction in CO2 emissions. The subsidy is paid out over the first 15 years in which the green hydrogen plant is operational and forms an important support for the turnover.

Step closer to the realization of green hydrogen factories

André Jurres, Managing Director of VoltH2, about the SDE++ allocation: “VoltH2 is building a chain of green hydrogen plants: we are currently developing three production sites in the Netherlands and recently also started in Wilhelmshaven (Germany). The development of the current portfolio, with a combined potential of 500 MW, naturally involves substantial investments. We are very pleased with this substantial subsidy from the RVO. The subsidy embodies the government’s vision of the energy transition and the role it sees in this for hydrogen and the VoltH2 projects. The subsidy brings us one step closer to realizing our plans in Vlissingen and Terneuzen.”

Gijs Voskuyl, partner and Head of Infrastructure of shareholder DIF Capital Partners says: “We consider the awarding of the first SDE++ for green hydrogen to VoltH2 projects as confirmation of the pioneering role that VoltH2 fulfills in the development of green hydrogen production capacity in the Netherlands. In addition, the subsidy decision shows the government’s confidence in both projects and forms an important and solid basis for the further development of these factories.”

Paul Tummers, CEO of shareholder Virya Energy: “With VoltH2 we are pleased to contribute to the development of sustainable hydrogen in the Netherlands. The allocation of the SDE++ subsidy by the government is an important step towards achieving our ambitions in the sector and a sign of the government’s will to support sustainable hydrogen as a concrete alternative to fossil fuels.”

Market forces

VoltH2 was the first to receive the necessary permits in 2021. The company was again selected first for the SDE++. André Jurres: “I think these achievements show that VoltH2 is a forerunner. Our team is already working on the next phase, but at the same time we want to create a well-functioning market for green hydrogen as quickly as possible. By supporting individual projects such as those in Vlissingen and Terneuzen, this subsidy will stimulate market forces, which is essential to achieve the climate goals. VoltH2 likes to play an important role in this.”  READ MORE