Hydrogen Map Shows 440+ Projects: How the Sector Is Developing
The Hydrogen Map, part of Nederland Waterstofland, provides an up-to-date overview of hydrogen projects in the Netherlands. What started as a simple project list has grown into a widely used showcase for the sector. With more than 440 projects and thousands of monthly visitors, the map provides insight into developments, trends and challenges.
We spoke with Jörg Gigler, Programme Director of the Industry Team at Energy Innovation NL, and Peter de Laat, who is responsible for collecting, processing and updating the data on the Hydrogen Map. Together, they paint a picture of both the broader developments and the practical reality behind the figures.
Why was the Hydrogen Map developed and what is its purpose?
Jörg: “The Hydrogen Map was created out of a need to provide an overview. A great deal is happening in the field of hydrogen in the Netherlands, but for a long time it was fragmented and difficult to follow. The map makes it visible which projects exist, what stage they are in and how the sector is developing. “The map now features more than 440 initiatives involving approximately 1,200 partners in the Netherlands who are working on hydrogen. It therefore serves as an excellent gateway for finding potential partners to work with, sourcing products and services, and promoting the Netherlands internationally.”
The initiative originated from Nederland Waterstofland, a collaboration between organisations such as North Sea Port, the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Amsterdam, Groningen Seaports, Gasunie and Vopak. It is also supported by organisations including NLHydrogen, Energy Innovation NL, GroenvermogenNL, Shell, Eneco, the New Energy Coalition and regional authorities.
Jörg continues: “In addition to the Hydrogen Map, we also presented our digital guide featuring profiles of all Dutch companies active in the hydrogen sector during the most recent World Hydrogen Summit. The guide was officially unveiled there by His Majesty the King. “In this online guide, companies can easily explore the Dutch offering and quickly find the right organisations within the sector. Together, the Hydrogen Guide and the Hydrogen Map provide a comprehensive overview of all hydrogen-related activities in the Netherlands.”
How is the Hydrogen Map structured in practice?
Peter: “The map actually started as a project list in 2020. In 2023, it was further developed into the interactive map that exists today. It now features more than 440 projects, and that number is still growing. “The projects are divided into different stages, ranging from the concept and final investment decision to implementation and, ultimately, operation. The colour coding allows you to see at a glance where a project stands in its development. “Projects are also linked to their role in the hydrogen value chain, such as production, storage, imports, refuelling stations, transport, research and end use. The map also shows the applications in which they are active, including the built environment, industry, mobility, energy supply, research, shared facilities, government and education. “Finally, you can look ahead to 2028, 2030 and 2032, for which we provide an estimate of how the projects are expected to develop.”
How do you ensure that the information remains up to date?
Peter: “Keeping the map up to date is, of course, an ongoing task. At regular intervals, I contact all project owners to request updates. I also carry out extensive online research: I monitor newsletters, follow projects on LinkedIn and contact organisations directly when I notice that something has changed.
“This is how we try to keep the map as current as possible. However, it remains a snapshot of reality: some projects move quickly, while others may remain on hold for a long time.”
What stands out when you look at developments over the past few years?
Peter: “You can see clear phases in the sector’s development. 2023 was the year of electrolysers. In 2024, the focus shifted to imports. In 2025, there was greater emphasis on applications such as ammonia and methanol. “And now, in 2026, energy hubs are emerging. At the same time, many projects are being postponed. The ambition is still there, but implementation is taking longer than expected.”
What overall picture emerges when you look at the map as a whole?
Peter: “From a bird’s-eye view, you see a sector that is growing, but is also still searching for direction. There are many initiatives and plans, but making the transition to implementation remains difficult.
“You can also see that the value chain is not yet developing in sync. A great deal is already happening in mobility, for example, while infrastructure and production sometimes lag behind. This makes scaling up complex.”
What should you bear in mind when submitting a project?
Peter: “The biggest mistake is that projects try to tell people too much. You then end up with long texts or complete brochures, even though the map is intended as a showcase. “Keep it simple and make sure your story is clear. Provide a short text, a few good images and a clear link to more information. “And remember that the map is not an end point, but a starting point. The aim is for interested visitors to click through to your project and explore it further.”
Add your project?
The project information is concise, clear and visual. Please provide a brief description, approximately 1,000 characters in both Dutch and English, up to four photographs and, if desired, a video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Under “More information”, you can include a web link, a document link and a contact person.
Being listed on the map is free of charge.
