Report: Liquid Hydrogen Study
This study by HyEnergy explores how liquid hydrogen could support the development of the hydrogen economy in the Northern Netherlands. The report assesses the potential scale, costs, benefits and regional and international applications of liquid hydrogen, with particular attention to transport.
The study was published as HEAVENN Deliverable D6.6 and also forms Deliverable D3.5 for Hy2Market, a European project focused on developing more mature hydrogen value chains.
Why liquid hydrogen?
Liquid hydrogen, or LH₂, has a higher volumetric density than compressed gaseous hydrogen. This means that more hydrogen and energy can be stored within a given volume, making it potentially suitable for applications that require long operating ranges or large amounts of energy.
Hydrogen must be cooled to below −252.9°C to become liquid. It must then be stored and transported in insulated cryogenic tanks. The liquefaction process is energy-intensive, while specialised storage and distribution infrastructure require considerable investment.
The study examines potential applications in aviation, maritime transport, heavy-duty road transport, electronics manufacturing and superconducting technologies. In the Northern Netherlands, possible users include Groningen Airport Eelde, the ports of Eemshaven and Delfzijl, inland shipping and hydrogen refuelling stations along major European transport corridors.
Potential for liquid hydrogen production in Delfzijl
According to the report, Delfzijl offers a potentially attractive location for a hydrogen liquefaction facility. The region combines an established chemical cluster and existing hydrogen expertise with proximity to the Port of Eemshaven and future renewable energy production from the North Sea.
Based on the potential regional demand, the study considers a facility capable of producing approximately 30 tonnes of liquid hydrogen per day. The estimated investment for the liquefaction plant itself is just over €125 million, excluding the additional infrastructure needed for storage and distribution.
The report also examines international import routes. It concludes that local production could help establish initial demand and strengthen supply resilience, while imports may eventually be required to provide the larger volumes needed by energy-intensive users.
From regional potential to a commercial project
The cost analysis indicates that regional liquid hydrogen production could be profitable, although the business case is strongly influenced by hydrogen and electricity prices. The report recommends a more detailed commercial assessment involving public organisations and interested private investors.
By identifying possible applications, infrastructure requirements and investment conditions, the study provides HEAVENN and Hy2Market with insights into how liquid hydrogen could complement the developing hydrogen value chain in the Northern Netherlands.
Read the full study
The full report contains detailed information on liquid hydrogen production, storage, distribution, applications, costs and import routes.