Waterstofregio 2.0

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Hydrogen is globally considered to be a major opportunity for achieving a carbon-free economy. It is highly promising, as it is a clean, emission-free fuel. Hydrogen applications within transport present many new prospects: a hydrogen vehicle is an electric vehicle, but instead of batteries, hydrogen is transformed into electricity. At a European level, however, an extra boost is needed to elevate the feasibility to a considerably higher level: technological breakthroughs are needed in order to compete with current, traditional fuel vehicles. The previous Interreg-project ‘Waterstofregio’ (Hydrogen Region) (2009-2013) showed that, in the Flanders-Southern Netherlands region, collaboration between a number of unique technology players, such as Colruyt Group and Beukers Autoschade BV were able to realise highly innovative projects, such as a 1 Megawatt power plant, a new bus concept, a filling station in Flanders for forklift trucks, a filling station in the Netherlands for buses and cars, a refuse lorry and a sloop; all of which run on hydrogen. The project also devoted attention to training modules, through collaboration between higher educational establishments in the border region. This has led to a solid position in Europe as one of the top regions in the transition from traditional fuels to hydrogen. ‘Waterstofregio 2.0, which receives a subsidy of almost 6 million euros through Interreg Flanders-Netherlands, focuses on improving and demonstrating various applications. With the consent of Waterstofregio 2.0, coordinated by WaterstofNet, the collaboration between Flanders and the Netherlands is being further reinforced: Colruyt Group and Beukers Autoschade BV are committing themselves again, together with new partners such as VDL and PitPoint. With the approval of Waterstofregio, again coordinated by WaterstofNet, this collaboration between Flanders and the Netherlands is being further reinforced as additional projects are realised by and for companies in the region. Various end-users, such as citizens, the private sector and governments, also have the opportunity to test applications and gain knowledge in a low-threshold, hands-on fashion. Projects set up in the field of hydrogen infrastructure: Developing and building two unique hydrogen filling stations, where hydrogen will be produced on the spot from green electricity: In Wilrijk, the filling station is being linked to an incinerator and, in Breda, the filling station is linked to solar energy. Expansion of the existing hydrogen filling station on the Automotive Campus in Helmond to serve even more demonstration applications Development and deployment of a mobile hydrogen filling station to facilitate demonstrations at various places in the region Zero emission applications: Demonstration of Europe's biggest fleet of 75 forklift trucks, which will use indoor hydrogen tanks Development and demonstration of the first big (forty tonne) hydrogen truck in Europe The demonstration programme for refuse lorries, started in the previous Interreg project, will be continued in this collaboration between Flanders and the Southern Netherlands To further expand the existing ecosystem comprising technology developers and end-users, we are collaborating with regional development companies and network organisations.

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