- Accueil
- Actualités et public…
- Publications
- Dutch hydrogen devel…
9 mai 2025
Publication series – 37 de 86 Publications
Dutch hydrogen developments
- Briefing
The Netherlands aspires to fully transition to sustainable energy sources by 2050. To facilitate this objective, one of the key pillars for the Dutch government is the adoption of green hydrogen for energy storage—also as part of the broader European strategy to enhance energy security and decarbonize industry. Already today, the Dutch industry produces and uses hydrogen on a large scale. Until now, this relates primarily to hydrogen derived from natural gas (so called grey hydrogen), And already now, The Netherlands is the second-largest hydrogen producer in Europe. In the coming years, grey hydrogen is planned to be replaced with cleaner alternatives, including blue hydrogen which is also produced from natural gas, but with the CO2 captured and stored underground and including green hydrogen which is produced via water electrolysis using sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
Exciting and high-profile initiatives, such as Holland Hydrogen I and the planned national hydrogen backbone connecting hydrogen production facilities with offshore wind farms, showcase the Dutch commitment to making green hydrogen a cornerstone of the energy transition. However, we also note that the rollout of major green hydrogen production installations is still at an early stage. Against this background, the Dutch national target of 4 GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030, with an aspiration to reach 8 GW by 2032 is a challenge to reach.
Evolving national legislation
The current Dutch regulatory landscape does not fully regulate the construction and operation of hydrogen transport networks, prompting policymakers to propose dedicated legal frameworks. In June 2024, the Energy Act (Energiewet) was adopted, which forms now the legal foundation for the energy transition and replace both the Electricity Act 1998 and the Gas Act. The act however only references hydrogen and does not provide a respedtive regulation. At the end of 2024, the Dutch Senate adopted the new Energy Act. This act merges the Electricity Act 1998 with the Gas Act and replaces them. The new act will enter into force on 1 January 2026.
The government for now does support market development through, for example, production subsidies and by financing offshore hydrogen demonstration projects. Gasunie, as the national hydrogen network operator, publicly reported it will develop an offshore hydrogen network and manage storage and terminals. At the same time, the Dutch regulator Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) prepares third-party access guidelines to ensure fair market participation.
SDE++
A key pillar of Dutch support for green hydrogen is the SDE++ subsidy scheme, which has been expanded to include a range of low-carbon technologies including electrolysis. Through SDE++, companies that build and use hydrogen power generation facilities may be eligible to receive subsidies that bridge the gap between the cost of producing hydrogen and its market price. The subsidy scheme for large-scale hydrogen production using an electrolyser is a combination of a subsidy for the investment phase and a subsidy for the operating phase. Given a successfull application, a subsidy for the investment costs for building the facility, and to produce hydrogen using this facility (i.e. the operation phase) is provided. However, the scheme’s allocation process is competitive, with periodic tender rounds that require thorough technical and financial documentation. The SDE++ subsidy scheme is reported to open again in October 2025.
Hydrogen grid network
The Netherlands is actively working on developing a publicly accessible hydrogen transport network, with a goal to connect the Dutch industrial clusters through this public infrastructure by 2030. However, the Netherlands is currently facing serious network congestion challenges on its electricity grid (cf. our insight here). Nonetheless, the Dutch remain committed to the hydrogen transition and keep exploring opportunities to accommodate frontrunners in the field. This is evidenced for example by a hydrogen project of Shell, Holland Hydrogen I, that was reportedly granted access to the grid despite the current electricity grid congestion challenges.
In June 2024, it was confirmed that Hynetwork Services (HNS), a Gasunie subsidiary, will develop and manage the national offshore hydrogen grid. HNS was already tasked with developing the national onshore hydrogen grid in mid-2022 and work began in 2023 as a service of general economic interest (SGEI).
Key considerations
Green hydrogen projects often rely on long-term offtake agreements with industrial clients or utilities seeking to decarbonize their processes. These agreements – in general – should also account for grid challenges and technology-specific risks, such as fluctuations in electrolyser efficiency, limiters or the (un)availability of renewable power. In addition, regulatory uncertainties (such as emerging hydrogen network tariffs) should be considered.
In addition, projects at scale typically involve multi-party consortia, combining expertise in financing, renewables, and infrastructure. Ensuring clear governance structures and allocating liability in case of regulatory changes or technical underperformance are key elements of lasting joint ventures.
Outlook
The Netherlands is steadily advancing its green hydrogen ambitions, with major infrastructure projects and supportive policies underway. Developers can expect a more detailed legal framework and clearer grid access regulations in the near future. The rollout of the national hydrogen network in the upcoming years will open new opportunities for cross-border energy cooperation. Our proven experience in the hydrogen industry have shown us that, despite the current grid challenges, the Dutch proactive approach signals a promising outlook for the country’s green hydrogen economy.
Dans cette série
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
par plusieurs auteurs
THG quota 2026/2027 and beyond: What fleet operators need to know now - Focus electromobility
26 mai 2026
par Fiammetta Kremer
Integration into the EU electricity market: Switzerland and the EU agree on a wide-ranging agreement
11 mai 2026
Revision of energy efficiency requirements for data centres: an overview of the amendment to the Energy Efficiency Act
29 avril 2026
Geothermal Energy in Germany: technology, current status and the legal framework for the heat transition
24 avril 2026
par plusieurs auteurs
Industrial electricity price: Approval by the European Commission (as of April 2026)
24 avril 2026
par Johannes Schaadt-Wambach, LL.M. (Prag), Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham)
EEG 2027 – Overview of the Planned Amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act
10 mars 2026
par Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham), Dr. Christian Ertel
The NIS2 Directive: Challenges Renewable Energy Companies
18 février 2026
EU specifies certification of permanent CO₂ removals
11 février 2026
par Dr. Janina Pochhammer, Dr. Niels L. Lange, LL.M. (Stellenbosch)
Electricity Tax Amendment 2025/2026: New rules for BESS, charging infrastructure and renewable energies
14 janvier 2026
Battery storage systems in outdoor areas - current classification in accordance with § 35 BauGB
19 décembre 2025
HR compliance in the energy sector – customs authorities step up the fight against sham-employment
15 décembre 2025
The Current Challenges for Offshore Wind Energy in Germany
2 décembre 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Offshore wind in Germany: from market premiums to Contracts for Difference?
28 novembre 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Energy Sharing under Section 42 of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG)
26 novembre 2025
Bundestag Decides on the Privileging of Battery Storage Facilities in Outdoor Areas under § 35 (1) BauGB
12 novembre 2025
Industrial electricity price: Initial assessment and opportunities for companies
21 novembre 2025
par Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham), Johannes Schaadt-Wambach, LL.M. (Prag)
FIDIC – An introduction to the FIDIC Suite 2017
22 octobre 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
The Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act – a boost for the energy transition in Austria?
23 septembre 2025
par Sabine Meister
Federal Network Agency discussion paper on reforming grid fees for industry and commerce
25 septembre 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Energy communities in Austria and the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG)
15 septembre 2025
New amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) introduced in July and August 2025
8 septembre 2025
Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) – a new state aid framework for the green transformation of industry
8 septembre 2025
par Dr. Michael Brüggemann, Johannes Schaadt-Wambach, LL.M. (Prag)
Industrial electricity prices: initial assessment and opportunities for businesses
18 août 2025
par Johannes Schaadt-Wambach, LL.M. (Prag), Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham)
Regulatory Framework for Transmission System Operators in Germany
18 août 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Court ruling on the effectiveness of availability guarantees for wind turbines
31 juillet 2025
New Legal Framework for the Commercial Use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
11 juillet 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Are offshore wind converter platforms a bottleneck in the energy transition? New German government wants to create production capacities at German shipyards
17 juin 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Speeding up the energy transition - the new German government’s plans for gas and steam power plants and its quest for the right technology for renewable energy
8 mai 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Update - Change of government opens the door to carbon capture and storage and carbon capture and utilisation
17 avril 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
The special fund for infrastructure and climate protection - what is next?
10 avril 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Changes to CBAM through Omnibus legislative package
10 avril 2025
The role of heat probes in the energy transition: Authorisation procedures and potential
26 mars 2025
CJEU judgement on customer installations in accordance with Section 3 No. 24a Law on the Energy Industry EnWG
26 mars 2025
par Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham), Dr. Christian Ertel
Will the new German government open the door for carbon capture and storage?
26 février 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Waste heat from data centres - new reporting obligations under the EnEfG
6 février 2025
par plusieurs auteurs
Rabigh 2 Solar Independent Power Project (IPP)
11 décembre 2024
Oman and Belgium Sign Landmark MoU on Green Hydrogen Cooperation
11 décembre 2024
Decision day: Grid fee exemption in customer systems and energy price brake put to the test
28 novembre 2024
par Dr. Christian Ertel, Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham)
BGH: Balance sheet allocation of electricity withdrawals at higher voltage levels in the event of supplier failure - recommended action for grid operators
11 novembre 2024
Hydrogen core network - The Federal Network Agency’s strategy for the energy transition
11 novembre 2024
par plusieurs auteurs
Amendment to the Energy Industry Act: changes for energy supply companies and grid and system operators
18 septembre 2024
par Dr. Christian Ertel, Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham)
Standard Essential Patents: A new challenge for the IoT and smart meter world
10 septembre 2024
Land acquisition and data protection: The importance of the GDPR when project developers request owner data
18 juillet 2024
par Dr. Patrick Vincent Zurheide, LL.M. (Aberdeen), Dr. Julia Wulff
Municipalities to share profit in wind turbines and ground-mounted photovoltaic systems
11 juillet 2024
Solar Package I - Overview of Changes to Ground-Mounted and Building-Mounted PV Systems
27 mai 2024
Mandatory special charge for open space photovoltaic systems in Brandenburg
21 février 2024
A new era for wind energy investments in Hungary
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
26 janvier 2024
Updating the National Hydrogen Strategy
6 novembre 2023
par Dr. Niels L. Lange, LL.M. (Stellenbosch), Dr. Janina Pochhammer
The new CO2 border adjustment mechanism (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism - “CBAM”) - first statutory reporting obligations set for January 2024
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
3 novembre 2023
New IT security requirements for the energy sector
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
1 septembre 2023
par Dr. Paul Voigt, Lic. en Derecho, CIPP/E, Alexander Schmalenberger, LL.B.
Does monument protection hinder the expansion of renewable energies?
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
16 août 2023
The amending law to strengthen digitisation in the urban land use planning process and the further expansion of renewable energies
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
6 juillet 2023
Challenges for data center operators - The federal government’s draft bill for an energy efficiency act
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
12 avril 2023
par plusieurs auteurs
The Energy Charter Treaty in the Light of the Electricity Price Brake: An opportunity for investors to litigate?
27 janvier 2023
Ordinance for Determining Critical Infrastructures (KritisV): Renewable energy plants as critical infrastructure and requirements for IT protection
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
12 juillet 2022
par Dr. Paul Voigt, Lic. en Derecho, CIPP/E, Dr. Markus Böhme, LL.M. (Nottingham)
Liquefied Natural Gas Projects in Germany: The LNG Acceleration Act
Q&A series: Energy & Infrastructure
10 juin 2022
Participation of local municipalities in the context of wind and photovoltaic projects
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
5 mai 2022
Renewable Energy Wrap-Up – France
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
27 avril 2022
Renewable Energy Wrap-Up - United Kingdom
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
15 mars 2022
Building energy performance: the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
14 février 2022
Fit for 55 – Hydrogen and the Reform of the European Gas Market
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
11 janvier 2022
Renewable Energy Wrap-Up – Netherlands
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
2 décembre 2021
Renewable Energy Wrap-Up – Poland
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
21 septembre 2021
par Olav Nemling
Renewable Energy Wrap-Up – Austria
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
18 août 2021
Renewable Energy Wrap-Up - Germany
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
12 juillet 2021
par Carsten Bartholl
Floating Foundations for Offshore Wind Farms
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
8 juin 2021
Species protection exemption: Significance for wind energy
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
25 mai 2021
Power-to-Hydrogen
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
6 avril 2021
Focus PV – Floating Solar and Agrivoltaics
Power Play: Renewable Energy Update
23 mars 2021
Related Insights
