Bulb company Rainbow Colors in Andijk goes sustainable with green hydrogen
A so-called 'solid oxide' electrolyser is being installed on the premises of bulb company Rainbow Colors. This converts excess solar power into green hydrogen. "A clean energy carrier without CO₂ emissions," according to Rainbow Colors.
"It is the first time that green hydrogen production on this scale and with this electrolyser technology is being applied at an agricultural company," say the initiators. The installation, planned for the third quarter, has a capacity of 1 megawatt, making it one of the largest operational electrolysers in the world. This is further reported by the initiators. Rainbow Colors is collaborating with Danish technology company Dynelectro (supplier of the electrolyser) and Ekinetix (responsible for engineering). The installation will subsequently be applied and tested in the regional initiative Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri, which is working on a hydrogen network for agriculture in North Holland North.
From solar power to green hydrogen Rainbow Colors generates a lot of solar power with solar panels. At times when this power cannot be used directly, it will soon be used to produce hydrogen. This is done using the electrolyser and a battery, allowing hydrogen production to continue almost continuously. The hydrogen can later be used as a clean energy source for machinery, transport, or heat. This way, sustainable energy is stored and utilised locally, according to the parties behind the project. "This also helps solve grid congestion: the overloaded electricity grid that many entrepreneurs are dealing with."
An example for other farmers "With this step, Rainbow Colors is not only a pioneer in agriculture but also an example for other companies in the region," says Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri. "The technology shows that practical and affordable solutions exist for high energy costs and grid problems."
Project coordinator Beau Broen of New Energy Coalition is guiding the pilot project within Fieldlab Hydrogen in Agri: "It is impressive how international innovation comes together in Andijk. With this electrolyser, North Holland North shows that hydrogen is not just a future prospect but works here and now. This gives the region an economic boost and provides entrepreneurs with access to affordable, green energy."
90 percent conversion Dynelectro's electrolyser operates at high temperatures (approximately 750 degrees Celsius). "This makes it highly efficient, and up to 90 percent of the energy can be converted into hydrogen when waste heat is utilised," says New Energy Coalition. "The installation is modular, meaning it can easily be expanded later."
Impact for the region Through this local production of green hydrogen, truly affordable hydrogen close to home is becoming available for the first time in the Netherlands, New Energy Coalition enthusiastically states. "This breaks the familiar 'chicken-and-egg story' surrounding hydrogen, which means investments in production do not take off due to insufficient demand, and demand does not take off due to insufficient production. Hydrogen is now available, allowing applications using clean hydrogen to develop more quickly. Moreover, the concept is applicable in more locations and can be significantly scaled up in the future."
