Hydrogen plays an important role in the future renewable energy systems. In a large scale sustainable energy system green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis of water, is a crucial element. The HyChain project is focused on a strategic understanding of the drivers behind global emergence of future renewable hydrogen value chains.
The HyChain project looks at the development of future renewable hydrogen value chains with the Netherlands as a focal point. Industry, consultants and knowledge institutes work together to clarify what is needed to build energy chains based on large-scale affordable production of green hydrogen. The program consists of five parts, of which the first three were finished in 2019, and the fourth in 2023.
5 HyChain projects
We defined 5 HyChain projects. Part 1, 2 and 3 started in 2018 and finished in 2019. Each part resulted in a Final Report. Furthermore, a Summary Report was developed, encompassing a summary of the findings of the three parts combined. Project HyChain 4 initiated in 2020 and was concluded in 2023. HyChain 5 will be aligned with the project partners and will be developed the coming period.
The 5 HyChain projects consist of:
- Assessment of Future Trends in Industrial Hydrogen Demand and Transport
- Hydrogen Cost Implications
- The Technological Value Chain for Hydrogen
- Dutch Systemic Scenarios for the Hydrogen Supply Chain
- Public Engagement for the Hydrogen Supply Chain
Partners in HyChain
Partners in HyChain projects are Nouryon, Nobian, HyCC, OCI Nitrogen, Yara, Dow, Vopak, Deltalinqs, Stedin, Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie, Frames, Proton Ventures, and Provincie Zuid Holland. The research in the projects has been carried out by QuoMare, Royal HaskoningDHV, Kalavasta, TNO, Quintel, Metabolic and TU Delft.
HyChain 1
The HyChain 1 project focused on how energy and feedstock demand in the process industries might change as they move towards carbon neutrality. The main focus of HyChain 1 is to explore the major tipping points that influence the shift from incremental change towards rapid growth in a hydrogen economy, across various sectors.
Explore all the findings: HyChain 1 – Final Report
HyChain 2
The HyChain 2 project focused on the cost implications of importing renewable electricity, hydrogen and hydrogen carriers into the Netherlands. Within the project, a high-level model is developed to evaluate these import costs and their dependency on the various input parameters.
Download the report: HyChain 2 – Final Report
HyChain 3
For HyChain 3, in a collaborative effort between industry and research institutions, key information has been compiled in 59 fact sheets on technologies for hydrogen production, conversion, storage, transportation, and reconversion. In addition to quantitative information, the project also explored qualitative risks or opportunities that are known to be associated with specific technologies.
Read more about Hychain 3: HyChain 3 – Final Report
HyChain 4
The fourth project developed the HyChain model. This is a robust mathematical optimisation model that enables long-term optimal investment modelling of system decarbonisation over the course of the energy transition, representing optimal multi-stakeholder investments in energy supply, infrastructure, and industrial demand on a year-by-year basis. This model shows how investments need to be made over time to establish the value chains that deliver green hydrogen from production to industrial use. This tool supports stakeholders in their decision making by identifying the most attractive investments needed to develop the hydrogen economy as an integral part of industry’s energy transition challenge.
Download the report: HyChain 4 – Final Report
HyChain 5
In order to effectively manage the evolving hydrogen economy, it’s crucial for parties, supported by appropriate regulations, to work together cohesively and collectively shift their focus from regional to international cooperation. The widespread deployment of hydrogen as an energy carrier, with system integration as a key solution, is central to this project.
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Let’s get in touch
Siu Fai Au
Also in our team
Sebastiaan Hers
Acknowledgement & partners
HyChain 1, 2 and 3 are co-funded with subsidy from the Topsector Energy by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. HyChain 4 is co-funded by TKI I&E with the supplementary grant PPS. HyChain 5 is co-funded with a grant from NWO under the ESI-Far System Integration call.
