Hydrogen infrastructure
The signatories emphasize the importance of large-scale underground hydrogen storage for a well-functioning hydrogen infrastructure and market. Studies have shown that hydrogen storage will help balance supply and demand differences, support the optimal use of renewable electricity, ensure security of supply for hydrogen users, and facilitate proper pricing.
The letter highlights that the current policy goal of the Dutch government is to realize four hydrogen storage caverns by 2035 (project HyStock). However, to achieve a well-functioning hydrogen infrastructure that can grow sufficiently over time, it is expected that 10 to 30 salt caverns will be needed for hydrogen storage by 2040. The required storage capacity is expected to increase rapidly towards 2050, making it crucial to take no-regret actions now.
Storage caverns
To accelerate the development of the required minimum number of storage caverns by 2040 and support the development of a hydrogen infrastructure and market, it is essential to take the necessary no-regret actions. The signatories positively support using the additional funding available in the Dutch Climate Fund to de-risk the development of salt caverns for hydrogen storage in the Netherlands. They strongly recommend the Dutch government to support further investigation of underground hydrogen storage possibilities. The parties stand ready to act decisively and explore public-private sector collaboration to enable the creation of a well-functioning hydrogen infrastructure and market in the Netherlands.
