Significant impulse for a sustainable industry employing green hydrogen

The chemical industry is one of the largest users of fossil raw materials such as oil and natural gas and accounts for a significant share of global CO2 emissions. To help the Dutch chemical industry remain competitive in a net-zero world, technological developments are required to defossilise the fuels and chemicals industry. Use of green Hydrogen and green electrons play a significant role herein.

Martijn de Graaff, project leader at HyCARB, agrees: 'With this project, we are working on the future of the industry by developing innovative and competitive chemical processes and value chains. We focus on producing fuels and materials from industrial waste gases and CO2 through the use of sustainable energy and hydrogen.'

'This makes the project a perfect fit with the ambitions of the GroenvermogenNL programme. The partners in the project, consisting of knowledge institutions, large companies, start-ups and scale-ups, aim to deliver internationally renowned results, such as new integrated hydrogenation processes, CO2 electrolysers and electrified high-temperature reactors.'

'In addition, a great deal of attention is being paid to analytical equipment and skills, as well as to building knowledge and experience among the next generation. Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure that the Netherlands achieves a leading global position in the field of circular carbon and hydrogen technology.'

The call 'Hydrogen and green electrons for carbon-based chemistry' originates from the National Growth Fund (NGF). The NGF programme GroenvermogenNL and NWO are funding this project with €35.3 million. Co-funding will provide the consortium with over €10.3 million for a total investment of €45.7 million.

The consortium behind HyCARB was formed during two intensive workshops in which all parties came together to draw up a single proposal. HyCARB is a collaboration between nine universities, five universities of applied sciences (UAS), three research institutes and thirty companies.

More information? Visit the NWO website.