Hydrogen

Intergas is continuously researching which energy sources and solutions best meet market demands, customer needs, and sustainability goals. We are doing this now and will continue to do so in the future. Currently, natural gas is the primary source for heating homes and providing hot tap water. In the Netherlands, around 7.7 million households are connected to the natural gas network. Driven by new climate targets—and notably the earthquakes in the natural gas extraction regions—the Netherlands aims to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, to sustainable energy sources. The goal of this energy transition is to reduce CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands by 49% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the most common, lightest, and simplest element known to us. In its pure form, it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. Naturally, hydrogen does not occur in this pure form; it must be produced. Sustainably generated hydrogen is called green hydrogen, which is hydrogen produced using green electricity. This sustainably produced hydrogen is CO₂-neutral, meaning there is no risk of carbon monoxide formation, as this substance is not released during combustion.

Hydrogen as part of the energy transition

Can and should we switch from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources overnight? We believe that in the coming decades, there will be room for multiple heating solutions to coexist. Many homes in the Netherlands are not suitable for heat pumps without requiring major investments. In such cases, green hydrogen delivered through the existing gas network could be the ideal solution.

Intergas explores alternatives for the existing natural gas network

Intergas is investigating the extent to which the current natural gas network can be used for green hydrogen. As part of this effort, Intergas is participating in the pilot project ‘Hydrogen District Wagenborgen’, where we aim to gain as much experience as possible in making homes more sustainable using hydrogen, while utilizing the existing gas pipelines as much as possible.

The gas valve in Slochteren is closing. Green hydrogen could be a viable and cost-effective alternative. One of hydrogen’s advantages is that it can be produced locally and transported through the dense infrastructure of the Dutch natural gas network. Since no CO₂ is released during hydrogen combustion, it does not contribute to global warming.

Rebuilding the electricity infrastructure has consequences

Intergas observes that the Netherlands is not yet ready to fully switch to all-electric heating for homes in the short term. If homes must be disconnected from the gas network, the entire electricity infrastructure will need to be rebuilt. This means the electricity grid would need to be three times as robust. Moreover, there is currently insufficient clarity regarding public support for this transition and the associated costs.

The potential of hydrogen

Sustainably produced hydrogen is CO₂-neutral. Its application in the built environment appears to hold significant potential, but further research is still needed. Large-scale experience with the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen has not yet been gained. Therefore, grid operators advocate focusing on the development and use of hydrogen in industry and in selected projects within the built environment until 2030.

First 1970s residential area transition to hydrogen

Intergas is participating in a unique project by connecting a 1970s residential neighborhood in Wagenborgen (Groningen) to a hydrogen network. Of the 40 residents approached in this area, nearly all have now agreed to take part in the project, which is called Hydrogen District Wagenborgen. This project demonstrates that hydrogen—alongside residual heat, green gas, and all-electric solutions, is one of the viable options for gas-free living.

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