Hydrogen the Groningen way. Nr 10

 💦⚡️💚 Green hydrogen is ‘booming’. As the missing link in the energy transition and in the transition to sustainable industry. But how do we make hydrogen ‘big’ and make sure that everyone benefits? Read the last part of my voyage of discovery here👇 💚🌍

Blog 10 Hydrogen as a game changer

 It is amazing how many changes are underway in terms of energy transition and hydrogen. In Groningen, we have set ourselves ambitious targets, some of which have already been executed by building many more solar parks and (small-scale) wind turbines. Our goal is that they are all realised with 50% local ownership, in order that local residents benefit directly from the park profits. And can be proud that their living environment is contributing to the energy transition.

 International cooperation

Nothing new there for us, as that has been the Groningen modus for many years. It has resulted in much greater support for solar parks. Villages and neighbourhood communities take the initiative to have solar parks developed, and to purchase their own wind turbines. And so Groningen has a great deal of sustainable energy We produce our own hydrogen, which is then used to render heavy mobility more sustainable, for example. At the national, European and global level too, more and more plans are being made for the production and use of hydrogen. Not only within the national borders but also in collaboration with other countries. The Netherlands already has a number of contracts with other countries for the import of hydrogen, including Portugal and Namibia, and the European plans to import green hydrogen from Africa are also taking shape.

 COP26

The main event in terms of the energy transition was of course the COP26 in Glasgow. No rock solid agreements on targets this time, unlike the COP25 in Paris in 2015, though effective agreements were reached on how member states will finance energy: reducing the financing of fossil energy and investing more money in developing countries. There was also confirmation of earlier agreements on how to render the transition a fair process. The latter is absolutely essential if the transition is to be a success. It is a positive sign that there is greater attention for developing countries, though we know from the past that this will at the same time be very tricky. Since the COP25, many countries have lagged behind when it comes to financing adjustments to or preventing climate change in developing countries.

 Audacity

The time has come to make that change. And it is viable. The financing should not be a separate issue, but rather a component of a fair energy transition. This does however require audacity from the prosperous countries. The audacity to stop transferring the actual costs of production and consumption of energy to others. That has been the unfortunate situation for many years after all: extracting oil at locations which do not harm us and where we do not see the local consequences. Profiting from the oil, while being fully aware that the situation cannot continue, but change is such a difficult process...

 Setting conditions to share profits

It is indeed very difficult to change the rules of a game which is already underway. That is why it is imperative that the new set of rules now be formulated, on the eve of the global hydrogen economy. To reach agreements on how we can all profit from the energy transition. Hydrogen may well be the game changer. The green hydrogen produced can be transported over great distances. Just like oil and gas. However, hydrogen can bring about the change which was lacking in the case of oil and gas: to contribute to redistribution of wealth and poverty. We can do so by reaching agreements that the hydrogen to be imported by our prosperous countries, some of it from developing countries, must comply with a number of conditions. I’m not referring to the technical conditions - so many people are already involved in that - but rather the socio-economic conditions. The sharing of profits with residents around the solar parks and wind parks where the hydrogen is produced. So that part of the earnings during the working life of a solar park or wind park, and the money earned trading the produced hydrogen, is structurally reinvested in the local economy. Everyone benefits: the users and producers of hydrogen, and those living in the region. Just like in Groningen, if we can jointly profit from the energy transition earnings, this will boost support and accelerate the energy transition process. We must learn from the past in order to ensure that green hydrogen brings about prosperity for all.

 We therefore now know:

·       The condition must be set that the hydrogen economy contributes to SDG1, SDG7 and SDG15 (Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations) and that this must be the basis for import, trade, financing and production of hydrogen.

·       The import of green hydrogen must be under the condition that local residents around the solar parks, wind parks and electrolysers with which the green hydrogen is produced, must share in the prosperity and a percentage of earnings for the duration of production.

 

Broad-based prosperity

In concrete terms, this means that local residents around energy projects for hydrogen production are given access to clean energy and therefore clean cooking, thus combating poverty and providing opportunity for (re)forestation. And so the hydrogen economy can truly contribute to broad-based prosperity. I shall be making every possible effort. 

Are you in?

 

 

Hydrogen the Groningen way. Nr 9

 💦⚡️💚 Green hydrogen is ‘booming’. As the missing link in the energy transition and in the transition to sustainable industry. But how do we make hydrogen ‘big’ and make sure that everyone benefits? Read my voyage of discovery here👇 💚🌍

👩‍💻 Blog 8: Bold and ambitious 👉 SDG-proof hydrogen 

Sometimes a crisis can contribute to awareness that drastic change is required. The earthquakes resulting from the gas production process resulted in the various parties in Groningen quickly joining forces to produce large volumes of sustainable energy, for example. This summer, exceptional forest fires and mass flooding in unexpected locations were a clear sign that a much greater crisis is at hand: the climate crisis. Scientific proof was provided in the recent IPCC report: “Further emission of greenhouse gases will cause further global warming and changes in all components of the climate system. Limitation of climate change will require a considerable and persistent reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.” There is evidence of the influence of human activity on rapid climate change, causing rising ocean levels, heat, drought and greater numbers of cyclones.

 

Hydrogen Valley

This crisis should also prompt us to undertake drastic change. It is up to us to quite literally turn the tide. We can only do so if we make a concerted effort, we reduce our energy consumption and we accelerate the transition to a low-CO2 energy system. Since the province of Groningen has accelerated efforts to bid farewell to fossil energy sources and switch to solar and wind energy, we are now aware of what is needed to also render the heavy mobility and industrial sectors sustainable: hydrogen. We are now an official European Hydrogen Valley, and are working on an international hydrogen economy. As a trendsetter, we have learned that hydrogen is the essential link in a new energy system.

 

IEA foresees major role for hydrogen

Last spring, I awaited the report titled ‘A Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050’ published by the International Energy Agency, with bated breath. Would this leading intergovernmental energy agency also recognise hydrogen as the missing link in the new system? The report was presented on 18 May and yes indeed: the IEA also believes hydrogen to play a major role in the net-zero energy system! This is foreseen in large volumes of global trade, exported from countries producing ample sustainable energy, to massive distribution centres in Europe and Asia, for example. A logical yet interesting point is that the IEA believes the limited sustainable energy production to be a bottleneck in the hydrogen economy. The IEA confers that we do indeed need a great deal more sustainable energy worldwide. And particularly also quickly, in order that it can then be transported to those locations where it is necessary, in the form of hydrogen.   

 

Beneficial for the region

In the province of Groningen, we have made plenty of room for the production of green energy in solar parks and wind parks, over the past few years. This process has taught us that such parks can best be developed together with the region itself. Create win-win situations by allowing local residents and companies to share the benefits, for example. This results in better support and in the end more sustainable energy. If environmental targets are to be met, it is essential that the areas housing solar parks and wind parks share in the profits of energy produced there and sold on, whether or not this is in the form of hydrogen.

 

COP26

In this year of crises, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is to be held in Glasgow from early November. There, all cooperating countries will discuss the further global developments required to achieve the environmental targets. I have always been a trusty follower of the UN. As a teenager, I was already involved in ‘The Hague International Model United Nations’. Following my recent dialogues with UN staff, I became aware that the UN was the ideal location to arrive at international agreements on the preconditions for fair production of hydrogen, i.e. the purpose of my lengthy voyage of discovery.

 

Groningen Principles and the UN

The climate crisis is forcing us to turn the tide now and to accelerate the energy transition. A hydrogen economy is a crucial component in that development. But it must be a fair hydrogen economy, which also benefits local communities. A hydrogen economy which contributes to a new and social energy system. In an effort to bring that forward, I have produced a text which I wish to introduce to the UN on the road to COP26. A text which features all the ideas I gained during my voyage of discovery over the past months. Based on the Groningen Principles, as described in my previous blog. A text designed to prompt the discussion regarding a ‘fair and SDG-proof green hydrogen economy’. Which results in added support for global production of sustainable energy and accelerated energy transition.

 

Contribute!

Yes, it’s ambitious to also want to achieve a social transition within the energy transition, but to quote UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “Be bold and ambitious.” I hope to gather as much support as possible for my ideas on a fair and social hydrogen economy. So that we can reach binding international agreements on this subject. Please contribute by giving thought to my text below and letting me know about any ideas by sending me a message or leave a comment. The final text must attract broad support both at home and abroad. For the climate and for social justice. I look forward to your reaction!

 

“Green hydrogen contributing to a fair energy system and the SDGs by applying the Groningen Principles

 Solar farms and wind farms used for the production of green hydrogen all around the world, share their benefits with local communities by filling local funds used to finance projects that contribute to the SDGs.

 Besides contributing to a sustainable energy system, green hydrogen can also change the social system linked to the presence of energy and the profits of energy.

 Now, at the start of a new green hydrogen system, it is time to set the standard for an international energy system that contributes to all involved, by following the Groningen Principles: owners of solar farms and wind farms, used for the production of green hydrogen, structurally invest in local funds used for projects contributing to the sustainable development goals, such as energy for all (SDG 7).”

 

 

 

 

 

Hydrogen the Groningen way. Nr 8

 💦⚡️💚 Green hydrogen is ‘booming’. As the missing link in the energy transition and in the transition to sustainable industry. But how do we make hydrogen ‘big’ and make sure that everyone benefits? Read my voyage of discovery here👇 💚🌍

👩‍💻 Blog 8: The Groningen Principles 📃🖍

Only a week to go now. Until the International Energy Agency presents a global step-by-step plan aimed at zero emissions: ‘Net Zero in 2050: A roadmap for the global energy system’. Early this year, the USA rejoined the Paris Agreement. Sunita Satyapal, Director of the U.S Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, soon reported that the USA is to focus on scaling up green hydrogen and reducing the costs of its production. A great deal is happening in the world of climate and energy transition! 

International agreements

There can be no doubt that this is an international playing field. And that calls for international agreements. On the quality of the hydrogen. On the way in which hydrogen is produced: using fossil fuels or sustainable sources. On transport, taxes, a level playing field, etc. Various countries are focusing very seriously on the issue. The Netherlands, but also our Belgian neighbours for example. There, the EME, ENGIE, Exmar and Fluxys companies collaborated with the Port of Antwerp, Port of Zeebrugge and WaterstofNet to investigate whether and how hydrogen can be imported. 

This study and other feasibility studies share comparable conclusions: a sustainable international energy system cannot function without green hydrogen. However, the conclusions and recommendations always refer to the technical side of hydrogen. While a new energy system will also have major social, economic and ecological consequences. I think it’s time we take a closer look at the latter aspects. How can we ensure that such consequences are positive, in a smart way? 

Prof. Ad van Wijk wrote about hydrogen and opportunities
for Africa in 2019 

Prosperity and misery

At least by now we know how things should not be done. Drilling and consumption of oil has brought us great prosperity over the past decades, for example. At the same time, it has caused great misery worldwide, as a result of conflicts around drilling locations and severe environmental pollution. The Niger Delta was only recently in the news, but it became clear many years ago that the arrival of oil companies did the local population more harm than good. Oil leakages as a result of damaged pipelines have had a devastating effect on the local environment. Furthermore, they undermine the socio-economic rights of local residents, such as the right to food, housing, work, clean drinking water and healthcare. The United Nations has since reached international agreements regarding areas around mining sites, but we have a long way to go. 

Closer to home, in the province of Groningen where I live, natural gas was discovered 60 years ago. For many decades, the people of the Netherlands benefited from the wealth and prosperity associated with that natural gas. But when the depleted gas fields resulted in earthquakes, the people of Groningen had to fight hard for financial compensation in order to repair their houses.

Basic principles

I wasn’t around 60 years ago, when it all started. And so I don’t know whether the discovery of oil and gas immediately prompted thoughts of international trade and major profits. I also don’t know whether there was awareness of the consequences of not reaching effective agreements on certain basic principles to be met. What I do know, is that hydrogen puts us on the verge of a far-reaching international development. I therefore believe it’s crucial that we get the agreements on paper NOW so that everyone looking to import or export hydrogen is aware of the rules of the game. Basic principles as it were: the Groningen Principles.

Hydrogen and SDGs 

I’ve spoken to many parties on both sides: possible suppliers but also those parties defending the interests of potential large-scale production locations in developing countries. They all acknowledge and recognise the necessity of large-scale production of sustainable energy by means of wind and solar parks, and that international hydrogen developments will act as a catalyst to that sustainable production. Parties on both sides also acknowledge that the production of and trade in hydrogen can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Simply by establishing a fund from which local SDG projects can be financed in a structural manner.

There are already good examples of how this might work. I have spoken to many organisations whose structural financing could contribute enormously to the SDGs. Two very good examples: 

• With just a couple of euros, Justdiggit inspires and mobilises local farmers and herdsmen in Africa to regreen their own land. They are restoring dehydrated land through the use of tried and trusted regreening techniques such as rainwater capture, replacement of trees and development of grass seed banks. The projects are locally managed and executed. And so they require local funding. 
  
  
  
• Rural Spark produces and sells Energy Kits for use all around the world. Their kits comprise a solar panel, a battery and a cooking set, for example. Thanks to this kit, people in developing countries no longer need to use generators. Less wood is needed for cooking purposes, which helps combat further deforestation. 
  
  
  

International requirements and a fund

The solar park developers with whom I spoke, are aware of the importance of such examples. These often large-scale international companies benefit from stable regions in which to work. They are very willing to make a contribution, as long as it is appropriately used. And so we need the Groningen Principles. I would like to propose a basis for those principles:

• We set international ecological and social requirements regarding the import and export of hydrogen. 
• Developers of wind and solar parks deposit a share of the profits from the park in question in a fund, during the working life of the park.
• That fund may be deployed for local projects, as long as they contribute to the SDGs.

A number of issues can make or break such a fund:

• How much is paid into the fund? Could it really be 50% of profits, as I suggested in my previous blog?
• How do you know whether your hydrogen is the real deal? Who can provide a Guarantee of Origin?
• Who can manage the fund and ensure that it is filled and deployed effectively? I spoke with a variety of financial experts on that matter.

Read more about that in my next blog! Would you like to think along with me? Feel free to complete the enclosed form on the right side 👉🏾 ( internet version ) . 

 

Waterstof op de Groningse manier. Nr 8

💦⚡️💚 Groene waterstof is ‘booming”. Als missing link in de energietransitie en de transitie naar een duurzame industrie. Maar hoe maken we waterstof groot op zo’n manier dat iedereen profiteert? Lees hier mijn ontdekkingstocht 👇 💚🌍 

👩‍💻 Blog 8: The Groningen Principles 📃🖍

Over een week is het zo ver. Dan presenteert het International Energy Agency een wereldwijd stappenplan naar nul emissie: ‘Net Zero in 2050: A roadmap for the global energy system’. Begin dit jaar sloot de USA zich weer aan bij The Paris Agreement. Sunita Satyapal, Director of the U.S Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, meldde vrij snel daarna dat de USA gaat inzetten op het opschalen van groene waterstof en het reduceren van de kosten ervan. Er gebeurt veel in de klimaat- en energiewereld! 

Internationale afspraken

Dat het hier om een internationaal speelveld gaat, is overduidelijk. Daar horen ook internationale afspraken bij. Over de kwaliteit van de waterstof. Over de manier waarop waterstof wordt geproduceerd: met fossiele of met duurzame bronnen. Over  transport, belastingen, level playing field etc. In diverse landen wordt daar hard over nagedacht. In Nederland, maar bijvoorbeeld ook bij onze buren in België. Daar onderzochten de bedrijven EME, ENGIE, Exmar, Fluxys samen met Port of Antwerp, Port of Zeebrugge en WaterstofNet of en hoe het mogelijk is om waterstof te importeren. 

Deze en andere haalbaarheidsstudies hebben vergelijkbare conclusies: een internationaal duurzaam energiesysteem kan niet zonder groene waterstof. Alleen gaan de conclusies en aanbevelingen altijd over de technische kant van waterstof. Terwijl een nieuw energiesysteem ook grote sociale, economische en ecologische gevolgen heeft. Ik vind dat we die kant veel meer moeten belichten. Hoe zorgen we op een slimme manier dat die gevolgen positief zijn? 

Prof Ad van Wijk schreef in 2019 al over waterstof en
economische kansen voor Noord Afrika

Welvaart en ellende

We weten in elk geval hoe het níet moet. De winning en het gebruik van bijvoorbeeld aardolie hebben ons de afgelopen decennia welvaart gebracht. Maar er is ook veel ellende door ontstaan in de wereld, bijvoorbeeld oorlogen om winningslocaties en zware milieuverontreiniging. Recent was de Nigerdelta nog in het nieuws, maar veel eerder werd al duidelijk dat de komst van de oliemaatschappijen de lokale bevolking meer kwaad dan goed heeft gebracht. Olielekkages als gevolg van kapotte pijpleidingen hebben een verwoestend effect op de omgeving. Bovendien ondermijnen ze de sociaaleconomische rechten van de bewoners van het gebied, zoals het recht op voedsel, huisvesting, werk, schoon drinkwater en gezondheidszorg. De Verenigde Naties zorgden voor internationale afspraken voor de omgeving van mijnbouwsites, maar we zijn er nog lang niet. 

Dichterbij huis, in mijn provincie Groningen, werd 60 jaar geleden aardgas gevonden. Decennialang kon iedereen in Nederland profiteren van de rijkdom en welvaart die dat aardgas met zich meebracht. Maar toen er aardbevingen ontstonden door het leegraken van de gasvelden, moest de Groningers hard knokken voor compensatiegelden om hun huizen te repareren.

Basisprincipes

Ik was er niet bij, 60 jaar geleden. Ik weet dus niet of er bij de vondst van olie en gas direct aan internationale handel en grote winsten werd gedacht. Ik weet ook niet of men destijds kon overzien wat er zou gebeuren als je geen goede afspraken maakt over bepaalde basisprincipes waaraan moet worden voldaan. Wat ik wél weet, is dat we met waterstof aan de vooravond staan van een ingrijpende internationale ontwikkeling. Daarom lijkt het mij cruciaal dat we die afspraken NU op papier zetten en dat iedereen die waterstof wil importeren of exporteren, zich eraan houdt. Nederlands Klimaatgezant Marcel Beukeboom noemde ze een soort basisprincipes vanuit Groningen: the Groningen Principles.

Waterstof en SDG’s 

Ik sprak vele partijen van beide kanten: mogelijke leveranciers, maar ook partijen die de belangen behartigen van potentiële grootschalige opweklocaties in ontwikkelingslanden. Allen erkennen en herkennen dat grootschalige productie van duurzame stroom door wind- en zonneparken nodig is en dat internationale waterstofontwikkelingen die duurzame productie gaan versnellen. Partijen aan beide kanten erkennen ook dat je via de productie van en handel in waterstof kunt bijdragen aan de Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) van de Verenigde Naties. Simpelweg door een fonds te vullen waar structureel lokale SDG-projecten van kunnen worden gefinancierd.

Er zijn al mooie voorbeelden van hoe dat zou kunnen. Ik sprak vele organisaties die met structureel geld een enorme bijdrage aan de SDG’s kunnen leveren. Twee mooie voorbeelden: 

• SDG 15: Al met een paar euro inspireert en mobiliseert Justdiggit kleinschalige boeren en herders in Afrika om hun eigen land te vergroenen. Ze herstellen uitgedroogd land door gebruik te maken van erkende vergroeningstechnieken als regenwateropvang, het terugbrengen van bomen en het ontwikkelen van graszaadbanken. De projecten worden lokaal beheerd en uitgevoerd. Er is daar dus lokaal geld nodig. 

• SDG 7: Rural Spark maakt en verkoopt Energy Kits voor gebruik over de hele wereld. Zo’n kit bestaat bijvoorbeeld uit een zonnepaneel, een accu en een kookset. Met zo’n set hoeven mensen in ontwikkelingslanden geen aggregaten meer te gebruiken. Ook is er minder hout of gas nodig om op te koken, waardoor verdere ontbossing wordt tegengaan en het de gezondheid ten goede komt. “Energie-zelfstandigheid” wordt door vele partijen gaan zien als een belangrijk element om armoede te doorbreken.

Internationale eisen en een fonds

De zonneparkontwikkelaars die ik sprak, onderkennen het belang van dit soort voorbeelden. Deze vaak grote internationale bedrijven hebben baat bij stabiele regio’s als werkomgeving. Ze willen daar graag bijdragen aan leveren, mits ze weten dat die goed terechtkomen. En daarvoor hebben we de Groningen Principles nodig. Ik doe een voorstel voor een basis voor die principes:

• We stellen internationale ecologische en sociale eisen aan import en export van waterstof. 
• Ontwikkelaars van wind- en zonneparken storten een deel van de winst van het betreffende wind- of zonnepark in een fonds, gedurende de looptijd van het park.
• Dat fonds mag gebruikt worden voor projecten in de omgeving, mits deze bijdragen aan de SDG’s.

De effectiviteit van zo’n fonds valt of staat met een aantal zaken:

• Hoe groot is de afdracht van het fonds? Echt 50% van de winst zoals ik opperde in mijn vorige blog?
• Hoe weet je of jouw waterstof daaraan voldoet? Wie kan een Guarantee of Origin afgeven?
• Wie kan het fonds beheren en erop toezien dat het wordt gevuld en goed wordt besteed? Daarover sprak ik met verschillende financiele experts.

Lees meer in mijn volgende blog! Wil je met me meedenken? Vul formulier in rechterbalk in 👉🏾