‘I feel part of something visionary’

HEAVENN is a large-scale program of demonstration projects divided into four clusters: Delfzijl Chemistry Park, Storage and the Built Environment, Emmen Industry, and Green Mobility. New Energy Coalition serves as the program coordinator. All aspects of green hydrogen—production, distribution, storage, and end-use—are brought together in a fully integrated and functioning Hydrogen Valley. Thirty-three organizations are involved in the project.

“What’s especially great about HEAVENN is that the team within New Energy Coalition consists of four women and one man. This in an industry where, in the Netherlands, 95% of the workforce is male. We have a diverse, international background, ranging from experts in energy law and chemical engineering to experienced professionals in circular energy projects. By the way, I don't want this to sound like a stereotypical 'lifestyle magazine' story! While it’s very pleasant working with so many women, the most important thing is that the team consists of powerful professionals with deep knowledge of the energy transition.

We are currently in an exciting phase with HEAVENN. The project runs until the end of 2027. Half of the partners are nearly finished with their part of the project, and a quarter are well on their way. But the final quarter—that will be the challenge. We faced a setback specifically in production because the party that was supposed to supply the electrolyzer pulled out. You lose a year of time just like that. We are already using hydrogen, but due to the delay with the electrolyzer, our own regional production is not yet where it needs to be. Our ambitions are greater.

How do I deal with adversity? I keep the end goal in mind: what will our energy system look like then? People are allowed to be skeptical, but there is no alternative; we must change. When people tell me that realizing HEAVENN is difficult, I say, ‘no, it’s magnificent!’ Achieving CO2 targets requires major adjustments. It can be cleaner, and hydrogen is part of the solution. However, it isn't the 'silver bullet' for everything. I see opportunities particularly in heavy industry and mobility. We have moved from the ‘hallelujah phase’ into the realistic implementation phase. Now we have to do our homework and get everything in order to be ready for the moment hydrogen takes off again.

The Northern Netherlands has always been an energy region because of natural gas. It is wonderful to see the resilience of this region. The interest and the will are there. I see local entrepreneurs sticking their necks out, and I have a lot of admiration for that. We must remain an energy region, but one powered by clean energy, serving as an example for others. That starts with the Hydrogen Valleys.

I believe in hydrogen. With current CO2 emissions, we are heading toward a major disaster. The only thing is, you don’t feel the effect of changes immediately. It’s not like you’ll suddenly feel like you’re breathing fresher air tomorrow. At the same time, hydrogen isn't just a CO2 or economic discussion; it's also about geopolitical interests and energy independence. By utilizing hydrogen, we become less vulnerable and less dependent on major global powers.”