Moderated by Per-Olof Granström, CEO, Energy Climate Solutions and Former Secretary General for the Zero Emisions Platform

Opening speech on the European Energy Transition, Jeannette Baljeu, Deputy, Province of Zuid-Holland

In light of the recent Oostende agreement and the establishment of the NSEC, European nations convened to declare ambitious renewable energy generation targets within the North Sea region. Today, we extend an invitation to translate these aspirations into actionable strategies, engaging in discourse on the optimal pathways to attain these objectives. Moreover, we seek to explore how governmental support can enable and enhance your contributions towards these shared goals.

Despite their collaborative efforts, discrepancies persist in national regulations concerning hydrogen, renewable energy, and CCS. How might these administrations refine their legislative frameworks to facilitate seamless cross-border operations and the integration of value chains?
This discussion aims to pave the way for streamlined cooperation and collective progress, with:

• An Stroobandt, Deputy-Chief of Cabinet, Ministry of Energy (BE)
• Daniel Mes, Cabinet Member to Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, European Commission
• Herben Krajenbrink, Head of Unit Hydrogen, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, Netherlands

The primary objective driving the hydrogen transition in Europe is the reduction of CO2 emissions. However, our current capacity doesn’t solely allow for a swift switch to green hydrogen. Certain industries still lack the capability to completely cut down production emissions. Here, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) emerge as solutions catering to these sectors’ needs.

This discussion will delve into the industrial economics surrounding the shift towards hydrogen. We’ll explore the timing, beneficiaries, and viable locations for CCUS implementation. This includes transforming traditional energy platforms to mitigate emissions and their role within the hydrogen supply chain. Additionally, we’ll dissect the significance of blue hydrogen within the energy ecosystem.

With these strategic tools in hand, Europe is poised to lead as the inaugural carbon-neutral continent!

• Albert Kassies, Director New Energy, Tata Steel
• Vibeke Rasmussen, SVP Product Management and Certification Clean Ammonia, Yara

This discussion centres on the necessity for synchronized movement across the entire value chain in facilitating a successful transition. Panel experts deliberate on the optimal reach of supportive policies to align all components within the supply chain. They focus on advancing towards blue and ultimately green hydrogen, breaking existing cycles and hindering progress.
Scaling within these chains requires multifaceted considerations. Questions arise: Is storage the linchpin for success or a costly prerequisite? Should industry growth be modular, accommodating technological advancements, or does the advantage lie in custom-designed facilities?
Infrastructure forms the bedrock of a hydrogen economy and hybrid energy system. However, challenges loom concerning electricity capacity and the lack of established hydrogen pipelines. Addressing these issues demands interconnection between facilities and industrial clusters, ensuring scalability, security, and widespread usage of hydrogen.

Panel with:

• Dyonne Rietveld, Country Chair, Uniper SE
• Marcel van de Kar, Senior Vice President Hydrogen, Vopak New Energies & LNG
• Hans Coenen, Member Executive Board, Gasunie
• Jeroen Steens, Director Commercial Delivery in charge of Hydrogen, Port of Rotterdam

Building on the discussion, we extend an invitation to economic experts from various regional institutes and consultancies. They aim to engage in a debate on the primary obstacles and advantages associated with coordination efforts, seeking to identify those that can be overcome through this collaboration.

Central to this endeavour is establishing a unified timeline. These experts will explore market development dynamics and envisage various scenarios, providing a comprehensive timeframe for strategic investments in tandem with industry advancements. This alignment aims to optimise investment opportunities in the evolving landscape.

Expert discussion with:

• Alastair Smith, Senior Consultant, Climate and Sustainability, S&P Global
• Florian Sayer, Head of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute
• Prajeev Rasiah, Executive Vice President & Regional Director Energy Systems North Europe, DNV
• Rene Peters, Director Gas Technology, TNO

It’s time for you to step into a leadership role and collaborate with peers. Split into five focused groups, you’ll dive into discussions about your operational challenges and triumphs. Through these exchanges, the goal is to unearth fresh opportunities for collaboration and synchronize project initiatives with fellow participants, all guided by a seasoned expert in the respective field. The groups cover a wide range of subjects, spanning from infrastructure to the pursuit of climate goals.

A: Infrastructure
Moderated by: Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Chair of Energie-Nederland and former Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Dutch Government

B: Spatial planning and environmental policy
Moderated by: Preben Friis-Hauge, Vice President, North Sea Commission and Vice President, KIMO International

C: CCS & blue hydrogen
Moderated by: Joop Hazenberg, Secretary General, Zero Emissions Platform

D: Production technologies
Moderated by: Rene Peters, Director Gas Technology, TNO

It’s time for you to step into a leadership role and collaborate with peers. Split into five focused groups, you’ll dive into discussions about your operational challenges and triumphs. Through these exchanges, the goal is to unearth fresh opportunities for collaborations and synchronize project initiatives with fellow participants, all guided by a seasoned expert in the respective field. The groups span a broad spectrum of subjects, spanning from infrastructure to the pursuit of climate goals.

A: Long-distance industrial relations, hydrogen corridors across the North Sea
Moderated by: Vegard Frihammer, Chairman of the Board, Norwegian Hydrogen Association and CEO/Founder Greenstat ASA

B: Cross-border onshore infrastructure
Moderated by: Bas Pulles, Project Director Delta-Rhine Corridor, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (NL)

C: Channel crossing corridor and energy islands (Netherlands/Belgium <-> UK)
Moderated by: An Stroobandt, Deputy-Chief of Cabinet, Ministry of Energy (BE)

D: Hydrogen Imports & North West Europe
Moderated by: Magnolia Tovar, Global Director Zero-Carbon Fuels, Clean Air Task Force

Amidst today’s dynamic landscape, prioritizing sustainable energy solutions, it’s imperative to acknowledge and applaud the pioneers and creators propelling the hydrogen revolution. Often dubbed the clean energy of tomorrow, hydrogen holds immense potential to transform our energy terrain and combat climate change. Tonight, we celebrate not just the advancement of this transformative technology, but also the individuals championing change and assuming leadership roles in driving this crucial transition.
A panel of comprising hydrogen organizations from various nations will collaborate to honour exceptional initiatives and key figures driving the transition.

Chaired by Alice Krekt, director HydrogenNL

3 awards, 12 nominees – who will win?

FRONTRUNNER AWARD
Norway: Norwegian Hydrogen AS
Denmark: Knud Erik Andersen, CEO, European Energy
Germany: Elektrolyse Mitteldeutschland GmbH (EMG)
Netherlands: Rob Castien, CEO, Resato Hydrogen Technology

NETWORKER AWARD
Norway: André Risholm, CEO Amon Maritime
Denmark: The ‘German-Danish Offtake Declaration on Green Hydrogen
Germany: H2vorOrt
Netherlands: Ulco Vermeulen, special advisor to the Executive Board of Gasunie

PROJECT AWARD
Germany: GET H2 Nukleus
Netherlands: HyTrucks, Air Liquide
Norway – Kollsnes 1, ZEG Power
Denmark: European Energys e-methanol facility in Kassø