‘Groningen is the center of the world’
Philip Broeksma, Alderman for Energy Transition in Groningen, has been nominated as Hydrogen Alderman of the Year. In over seven years, he has achieved a great deal—not just on paper and through collaborations, but also through tangible practical results: the first European Hydrogen Valley, a hydrogen refueling station, hydrogen-powered garbage trucks and buses, and a heat network for vulnerable households. “We want it, and we do what we plan to do.”
“You might think Groningen is in the north, but nothing could be further from the truth. You couldn't make me angrier by saying that,” Broeksma laughs. “Groningen is located in the south of the North Sea region. The North Sea is ideal for wind farms due to its shallow waters. For that reason, it is an area where neighboring countries generate a lot of wind energy. And that makes Groningen an ideal place to be one of the Hydrogen Capitals of Europe.”
Climate Goals
The municipality of Groningen is well on its way to achieving its climate goals for 2035. The alderman explains: “For the portion that the municipality can influence itself, we expect to reach 99% by 2035. So, we still have a little catching up to do. After five years, we were at a 26% reduction compared to 1990 CO2 levels; meanwhile, we are already heading toward 64%. This is primarily because we are doing it together, including with industry. The sugar factory, for example, has made major strides in sustainability. I am, of course, happy to contribute in my own way.”
Clear as Day
“Reducing emissions is absolutely necessary. Fossil energy has too great an impact on the earth,” he declares. “It is crystal clear that we need renewable energy to lower emissions. As a grandfather of four grandchildren who are still playing with Duplo and wooden trains, I think about their future. They will be living in the year 2100. How do I want the world to look then? Hydrogen plays a major role in that. As an energy carrier, it is an indispensable element in the energy system. And you can also use it directly as fuel, for example, instead of natural gas. It is a tool to make better use of sustainable energy sources and to better balance energy supply and demand.”
The Entire Chain
Groningen is pre-eminently suited to play a major role in this, the alderman believes. “That is due to our location—with Gasunie, near the Eemshaven, on the North Sea, and near Equinor’s potential storage fields for blue hydrogen. It’s also because of our international and local contacts, the companies wanting to switch from natural gas to other energy sources, and our knowledge of molecules and social applications at Gasunie and the University of Groningen. The entire chain is being built here, or is already taking shape.”
Already Realized
A significant amount has already been realized in Groningen. “A hydrogen refueling station, the company Holthausen which converts trucks to run on hydrogen, and of course thirty public transport buses, several garbage trucks, and a college service car that runs on hydrogen. And more is being realized; an electrolyser in the Eemshaven, for example. That will fit beautifully into the chain. One point of attention remains the affordability of green hydrogen. Companies are willing to invest in making their processes more sustainable, meaning they will purchase hydrogen for many years. In return, they want the certainty that it is and remains affordable. This requires some form of price guarantee or government subsidy.”
International Network
The alderman also praises the Groningen mentality. “We want it, we put our shoulders to the wheel, and we do what we plan to do. We don't just connect; we act.” At the same time, connecting is an important part of an alderman's job. Broeksma nods. “I bring parties together—from education, government, and research to businesses. Groningen is one of four European cities that are part of the World Energy Cities Partnership. Within this network, we travel to Aberdeen, Esbjerg, and Stavanger, but also to Houston, Texas, and other international cities. As an alderman, I open doors that companies can then walk through. For example, the Groningen-based company Resato installed hydrogen refueling stations in Lapland following a contact made during a trade mission.”
Nij Begun (New Beginning)
For all local developments, Groningen partially utilizes funding from the national government intended for earthquake damage recovery. “It is a ‘Nij Begun’ [New Beginning], and we need that,” Broeksma emphasizes. “We are using the decades of financial commitment promised to us by the cabinet to execute our economic agenda in a sustainable way.” For the alderman, this nomination is one of his final achievements. “After years in politics, it is time to pass the torch. I do so with confidence; there is a 2035 CO₂-neutral Roadmap in place, and the municipality has committed itself to following it.”
Solidarity
What is most important to him in all of this? “For me, politics is about solidarity and sustainability. I am in solidarity with the generations after us and with people currently living in vulnerable situations. Everyone has the right to a warm home and a hot shower. For that reason, we started our public heat network in the poorest neighborhoods of Groningen. Because it is precisely these residents who do not have the financial means to invest in insulation or solar panels. They are hit hardest when energy prices suddenly rise. That is why we offer them reliable heat at a price 5% lower than private heat networks. Ultimately, that’s what it’s about: that we all reap the benefits of sustainability. Now and in the future.”
