Statkraft explores production of 15,000 tonnes of green hydrogen at Port of Den Helder

The ambitious project stimulates the development of a Dutch green hydrogen economy and the use of green hydrogen in the maritime sector. This is where the name Zephyros comes from, which stands for 'Zero Emission in the Port of Den Helder, by using Hydrogen for transport over road and Wadden Sea'. The project pursues three goals that accelerate the energy transition in Den Helder: reduction of emissions, innovation and knowledge development, and a sustainable and fossil-free port operation. 

Kees Turnhout, general manager of the Port of Den Helder, is enthusiastic about this hydrogen project: "Our goal with the Zephyros project is to boost the green hydrogen economy in the municipality of Den Helder and in shipping. It is great that Zephyros is enabling greater development in the Hydrogen Valley of North Holland and the Netherlands. It is fantastic to see that Statkraft recognizes the potential of Den Helder as an energy hub. I look forward to this project being realized in the coming years!"

Think big, start small

It is expected that Statkraft's electrolyser will eventually produce approximately 15 to 20 thousand tonnes of green hydrogen per year for both local and national customers. Before that happens, the renewable energy producer consciously opts for a scale-up strategy with the Zephyros project as a starting point. Within this strategy, Statkraft will first produce 1 to 2 megawatts, which is good for about 100 to 200 tons of green hydrogen per year. This gives local customers direct access to green hydrogen and allows them to innovate with hydrogen applications. Statkraft wants to realize the 1-2 MW electrolyser in 2026.

"This news is an important milestone for Statkraft in our Dutch hydrogen business. We are also learning a lot about the application of green hydrogen in the Netherlands. For this reason, we are extremely proud to be involved in the Zephyros project and to be able to make an important contribution to the development of energy solutions that can advance the Dutch energy transition," said Rob Smit, Vice President Hydrogen of Statkraft Netherlands.

Local involvement

Zephyros not only contributes to the energy transition, but also to knowledge and employment in the Den Helder region. In addition, Statkraft and Port of Den Helder involve stakeholders during the project development and take the environmental plan into account.