On climate change and hydrogen
To halt the progressive effects of climate change, the European Parliament has adopted the European Climate Law. With this, Europe aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as early as 2030. The ultimate goal is to make the European Union completely carbon-neutral from 2050.
CO₂ is the most important greenhouse gas. So by reducing emissions of this gas, we can make a lot of progress. But that will require an approach on several fronts.
Since much CO₂ is released when fossil fuels are used, we can significantly reduce emissions by using these types of fuels much less. One of the best opportunities presents itself in the production of hydrogen on an industrial scale. Hydrogen gas is of great importance to several economic sectors and is therefore produced in huge quantities. Since this production is usually done by splitting fossil methane gas, this process also emits a lot of CO₂.
But hydrogen can be produced in more than one way. The most environmentally friendly alternative production process is water electrolysis. In this process, pure water is split through a membrane into hydrogen and pure oxygen under the application of electric current. If the electricity used is fully renewable, the hydrogen produced will also be virtually carbon-neutral.
Why VoltH2 does what it does
VoltH2 wants to contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions by producing green hydrogen at various locations in Europe. We are currently working hard to develop six green hydrogen plants in the Netherlands (Vlissingen, Terneuzen and Delfzijl) and Germany (Essen, Wilhelmshaven and Gelsenkirchen). Together they account for a future production capacity of over 500 MW. We want to play a role in the development of the hydrogen market with this large-scale production, while at the same time striving for optimal market operation and a well-developed pipeline infrastructure.
We build our plants within industrial areas and ports, where there are sufficient customers to find both green hydrogen and the by-products oxygen and heat. At the same time, we can connect to existing backbones there for distribution. To produce our green hydrogen, we convert demineralized water from electricity to hydrogen via electrolysis. Thanks to the use of wind and solar energy, our hydrogen is 100% carbon-neutral.
Team
VoltH2 was founded in 2020 by André Jurres. As former founder and CEO of Essent Belgium and involved in the start-up of numerous other renewable energy projects, André Jurres brings over 20 years of experience in renewable energy.
Today, VoltH2 consists of an enthusiastic team of experts who previously earned their spurs in the energy sector. Together, they want to make a difference in the green hydrogen market while playing a significant role in the energy transition.
Finally, VoltH2 is supported by an experienced Board of Directors with representatives from DIF Capital Partners and Virya Energy, whose portfolio includes renewable energy companies.