There is a lot of energy in hydrogen
Dennis Chafiâ is a program coordinator at the industry association NL Hydrogen and a councilor for the CDA in the municipality of Westland. “It was during a chemistry lesson in high school that I was first captivated by hydrogen. The teacher had set up a small electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen. She captured the hydrogen in a large red balloon. When she held a flame to it, there was a loud bang and intense heat. It was immediately clear to me: there is a lot of energy in this!
In my work, I build the bridge between government and the business community; how can we achieve goals together? Together with our members, we determine viewpoints and positions on everything related to the hydrogen market. We then share this with ministries, politicians, opinion makers, and the rest of society. In doing so, I focus on the system and infrastructure surrounding hydrogen - think of the power grid, the hydrogen network, and water as a raw material. I feel very much at home in my role as a pivot and connector. I can combine my experience as a chemist - I studied chemistry and worked at a biofuel startup, among other things - with my passion as a politician.
My political drive stems from the realization that we have the Earth on loan. I always learned that when you borrow something, you must treat it with care and return it in one piece. Now we see that raw materials are running out and the Earth is becoming increasingly polluted. The situation is unsustainable.
A few years ago, we were at the peak of the hydrogen hype. The pandemic and international conflicts had a major impact on financing and relations, causing the hype to subside. Society and politics saw hydrogen as one of the most important drivers for sustainability. It is now seen more as a part of the mix, used where it is needed. It is good that there is now a sense of realism. The system study by CE Delft on the value of hydrogen for the Netherlands shows that a substantial amount of hydrogen is needed to achieve climate goals and to be strategically autonomous. But hydrogen is not the solution for everything. With the knowledge we have today, we can make better choices.
How should it be done? That is complicated. There is a need for clear policy in the Netherlands: what do we do and what don't we do? And for subsidies that support these goals. Fortunately, we are still making progress. As Minister of Climate and Green Growth, Sophie Hermans has pushed forward despite the political climate following the fall of the cabinet. Furthermore, I admire the resilience of the business community. These are willing people who give me energy. However, the bridge or link to the policymaker is sometimes still missing. That is where we step in.
And we must keep telling the story. In the world I work in, everyone knows hydrogen. But when I am at a birthday party, the atmosphere is very different. People have no idea what hydrogen can do and what is already happening. It is important to keep highlighting that and to share the real, realistic story. It is wonderful that NL Hydrogen became a supporting partner of Nederland Waterstofland (Netherlands Hydrogen Land) this summer. Together, we are sharing the story.”
