‘The vision on paper must become a reality’
When Thierry de Heer, Alderman for Environment and Sustainability, Energy, and Heat Transition in Woensdrecht, heard that a local pig farmer wanted to close his business, he championed a new perspective for the future. “The nitrogen issue is a major factor here, partly due to our proximity to the Port of Antwerp. If someone chooses a path that reduces emissions, I want to support that. How? With hydrogen.”
De Heer has been an alderman in the Brabant municipality of Woensdrecht since 2022. The themes of energy and sustainability are close to his heart. “I believe in the energy transition. CO2 emissions must come down, while energy must remain feasible and affordable. The solution doesn't lie in hydrogen alone. Heat and insulation—and thus lower energy consumption—also play a role. But when you look at heavy industry and, in the long run, mobility, hydrogen can make the difference.”
Starting Locally
Starting locally to solve global problems is what De Heer stands for. “I am confident we can succeed. Right now, it is mostly a reality on paper; in the coming years, it needs to become concrete.” What are the plans? “At the pig farmer's site, H2XP intends to install a 70 MW hydrogen plant as part of an energy hub. The electrolyser will utilize power from the adjacent solar park—we have as much as 100 hectares available here—and a wind farm that is currently under construction. This involves electricity that is currently unused due to grid congestion. The electrolyser converts the electricity into green hydrogen and supplies it to the future hydrogen backbone and local businesses.”
Green Lights
That hydrogen backbone runs right past Woensdrecht. “We are located exactly at the intersection of a branch heading from Rotterdam toward Vlissingen and Antwerp,” the alderman explains. “I am also in intensive talks about a T-junction toward our local heavy industry. For that, the lights are currently green. I have high hopes that it will become a reality, especially since this part of the backbone is scheduled relatively early: by 2028. This is the moment to get on board; the plans are being made now. It’s a prime opportunity and a reason for me to pick up the pace.”
Production and Offtake
Woensdrecht is focusing first on the production of hydrogen and then on the end-users. De Heer: “By constructing the backbone, we have the certainty that we can distribute the hydrogen. In any case, there is a great demand for green hydrogen; it’s not yet available in abundance. Furthermore, we are in discussions with Woensdrecht Air Base and the Ministry of Defence. They are also interested in hydrogen, though they don't yet know in what capacity.”
Convincing Stakeholders
The alderman succeeded in convincing the municipal council of the necessity of the electrolyser. The council agreed to the installation of the electrolyser in the rural area, which required an amendment to the permit. The province is also supportive and has granted an environmental permit. “The council sees the bigger picture; there was little resistance. The only critical questions concerned safety. However, those risks lie primarily in the transport of hydrogen, which is less relevant in our case.”
Connecting and Communicating
How does he achieve this? De Heer: “My role is to connect people and organizations, to drive the projects, and to tell the story. I share that story with local entrepreneurs, the ZLTO (agricultural organization), the Ministry of Defence, the municipal council, and during residents' evenings. Interestingly, the most critical questions come from the local energy cooperative, nature and environmental groups, and the military.”
A Broader Story
“Hydrogen is part of a broader energy story,” De Heer emphasizes. “I dare to think in terms of opportunities, but I am also a realist; it must be feasible and scalable. That is why we are first focusing on the arrival of the electrolyser and connecting to the backbone. In that order. Sometimes hydrogen is oversimplified—as if you can just adjust a gas pipe and hydrogen will flow through. But I don't yet see consumers cooking on hydrogen in the short term. Much more is needed for that. Although, I must say my father-in-law drives a hydrogen car, so it is becoming more common.”
A Welcome Boost
The alderman enjoys telling the story. “It’s great that I can do so again and that it is being appreciated with this nomination. For me, it’s not about the award, but about the fact that I can help entrepreneurs and society move forward. Though this certainly feels like a welcome boost.”
