Willem Frens

Would you like to see hydrogen derivatives being imported to Belgium or The Netherlands? BENELUX Workshop "Policy perspectives on the import of hydrogen derivatives" - 02.12.2024 - Antwerp Havenhuis from 10.00 am till 5.30 pm Hydrogen will play a key role in the energy transition, and significant quantities will need to be imported from overseas particularly for Benelux and neighboring regions. To facilitate this, we will require robust infrastructure, technological developments and supportive policies. However, uncertainties remain about which type of molecules will dominate the market. The aim of the workshop is to understand, discuss and identify strategic considerations to support the importation of hydrogen derivatives. The speakers will be representatives of governments, industries and the European Commission. Registration open till Wednesday COB at https://lnkd.in/eEv-VDaY #hydrogen #Hinicio #PtX #PortofAntwerp

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I regularly get questions about electricity production in belgium and surrounding countries and the associated CO2 emissions.  This is a very interesting website with lots of figures and a nice visual representation of where and how electricity is produced and transported in Europe. https://lnkd.in/ejXTYFZF

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I am happy to feature in TNO's online article about our research activities on the safe and responsible application of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns and depleted gas fields. In the article we emphasize that the technical development of UHS must go hand in hand with societal embedding, and that advancements towards deployment readiness need partnerships between governmental bodies, research institutes, universities, and industry partners. #renewableenergy #powertogas #hydrogen #energystorage #undergroundstorage

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#NuclearPower is not only inflexible and costly, but also requires heavy public subsidies that will deter needed private investment in cheaper and safer #renewables. A great analysis (in Dutch) by our Supervisory Board member Bernard ter Haar together with Roland Kupers and Coen Teulings. References The Netherlands 🇳🇱 , but relevant for #SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 and several other African countries reportedly being courted by foreign nuclear companies. https://lnkd.in/dnB_tuV4

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🇳🇱🇪🇺Dutch Government Prioritises Hydrogen and CO₂ Infrastructure in the Delta Rhine Corridor - To accelerate the decarbonisation of industry and avoid further delays to the Delta Rhine Corridor (DRC), the Dutch government has decided to prioritise hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure in this critical project. This move strengthens the transition to sustainable energy, reduces reliance on foreign resources, and supports national climate goals. The decision provides stakeholders with much-needed clarity and lays a solid foundation for a cleaner industrial sector. On 5 December, Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate Policy and Green Growth), supported by Ministers Barry Madlener (Infrastructure and Water Management) and Mona Keijzer (Housing and Spatial Planning) informed the Netherlands Parliament of this strategic shift. The Delta Rhine Corridor is a large-scale initiative to construct underground pipelines from the Port of Rotterdam, via Moerdijk, to Germany. By focusing on hydrogen and CO₂ pipelines, the project will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing industry with the essential infrastructure for cleaner production. This will not only help meet climate goals but also strengthen the development of a sustainable economy. The original DRC plan included multiple modalities, such as ammonia and HVDC cables, but proved too ambitious and complex. Interdependencies and spatial constraints led to significant delays. By narrowing the scope to hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure, which are critical for industrial decarbonisation, the project can now proceed with a clear timeline, targeting completion between 2031 and 2033. This clarity gives businesses the confidence to invest in sustainable technologies and positions the Netherlands as a global hydrogen hub and leader in CO₂ storage. Ammonia pipelines and HVDC cables, originally part of the DRC, have been excluded for now due to insufficient development and planning challenges. For HVDC cables, vital for transporting offshore wind energy to the mainland, delays could push completion to 2040. Efforts to identify alternative routes are being expedited. While recognising the implications, the government emphasises that maintaining the original integrated approach would have delayed all components. This decision allows for the timely realisation of hydrogen and CO₂ infrastructure, accelerating industrial decarbonisation and enhancing international collaboration, particularly with Germany as a key partner. This milestone reinforces the Delta Rhine Corridor’s strategic importance for the Netherlands’ sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/ees6xWXf #hydrogen #waterstof #wasserstoff #hydrogène #brint #hidrógeno #sustainability #energy

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🌎🌍🌏 #WorldHydrogenSummit, Rotterdam. Great discussions at the Trilateral Forum on Hydrogen Cooperation in North West Europe organised by the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Topics: + Development of a large-scale hydrogen value chain + (Offshore) pl infrastructure and role of shipping-/port infrastructure + Scaling up S&D and the transition from blue to green hydrogen.     Some Take-Aways from a hugely interesting discussion: ➡️ 🇳🇱🇳🇴🇩🇪 cooperation to serve as cornerstone of a European hydrogen market by 2050 ➡️ 🇳🇱🇳🇴🇩🇪 political and industrial decision makers are set to advance the development of cross-border supply chains for #Hydrogen / Derivatives. ➡️ Scaleability viewed key to open the gateway into the European Hydrogen Market. ➡️ Transition targets 💚 green #H2 as a priority - 🔵 blue #H2 produced from fossil fuels with #CO2 capture broadly viewed as the bridge. Many thanks to 🤗 Team Netherlands (RVO - Klimaat, Energie en Verduurzamen, Dutch Government) 🤗 Team Norway (Innovation Norway, Norwegian Government) 🤗 Team Germany (NRW.Energy4Climate, Government of North Rhine-Westphalia)  Verena Falb Gerda Geyer Lars Bobzien Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Bauen und Digitalisierung Niedersachsen.next #HydrogenFuture #RenewableEnergy #Collaboration #GreenHydrogen #Innovation #GlobalPartnerships #CommercialOpportunities

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It is with pride that I present Belgium’s Electricity System Blueprint for 2035-2050. It provides insights into the country’s options regarding its future energy mix and evaluates their technological and economic impacts. The goal of this blueprint is to assist policymakers as they make decisions about Belgium's future energy mix and the path it will follow in the lead-up to 2050. Deciding what energy sources Belgium will rely on in the future is crucial for the timely development of low-carbon technologies and grid infrastructure. Though 2040-2050 may seem distant, when it comes to infrastructure, we must start planning for it soon.   In developing this report, we were able to count on the support of partners such as the Elia think tank, EnergyVille, Fluxys, our Academic Board, the Belgian system operators, and ENTSO-E. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to them for the interesting discussions as well as their great teamwork and valued feedback. Many congratulations to the Elia experts who, once again, gave their utmost.   Rafael Feito Kiczak,James Matthys-Donnadieu, Kristof Sleurs, Helen Burgess (she/her/hers), Marleen Vanhecke, Pascale Fonck, Damon Coates, Sander Willems, Elise Meersseman, Hannes Degraeve, Hugo Di Giugno, Maud Perilleux, Sander Claes, Louis Magein, Louis Hubert, François De Hoe, Maarten Konings, Joachim Goovaerts, Thomas V., Marie-Noëlle Rasson, Tom Demeyer, Mathieu Raedts, Simon Hardy, Daniel Huertas Hernando https://lnkd.in/eYpp_QXp

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COGEN Europe's members are ready to help meet Ukraine's energy needs (Press Release - 24 September 2024) On 19 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol held a joint press conference in Brussels to address Ukraine's energy security for the upcoming winter. A day later, on 20 September in Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan to provide up to €35 billion as an EU loan to Ukraine, to be directed towards Ukraine’s recovery.    Marking 1000 days since the launch of Russia's full-scale military aggression against #Ukraine, the press conference addressed the immediate energy needs of the Ukrainian population, while also working towards making Ukraine's energy system more resilient in the long term. Due to the continuing and intensified attacks carried out by the Russian military forces, half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed.   The EU has already mobilised resources to address the situation over the past years and months, sending equipment to affected regions in Ukraine. This includes a Lithuanian #cogeneration plant that is being dismantled and sent to Ukraine.    Over the coming months, the EU and IEA have announced that they will work together to ensure winter preparedness for Ukraine, focusing on: ✅ Efforts to restore gigawatts of power for the winter, covering 25% of Ukraine's needs ('Repair'); ✅ Synchronization of Ukraine's grid with the European grid, covering 12% of Ukraine's winter energy needs ('Connect'); ✅ Boosting decentralized production and sharing expertise in cyber awareness and security ('Stabilize'). Responding to these developments, COGEN Europe’s Managing Director, Hans Korteweg, says: “We welcome the EU’s announcement to support Ukraine on ensuring security of energy supply through the upcoming winter. In view of Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine, damage to energy infrastructure risks leaving people without access to basic utilities, including heating and electricity. COGEN Europe and its members are committed to contributing their expertise and know-how, notably regarding the deployment of distributed cogeneration systems, which save energy and enhance resilience. We are willing to collaborate with the European Commission and with the competent Ukrainian authorities, in order to provide solutions both for the coming winter and also for rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a way that strengthens resilience and energy independence, alongside sustainability.”

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Belgium is set to receive €4.6 billion in revenue (2024-2030) from the EU's Emissions Trading System, with over half of that going to Flanders, Bond Beter Leefmilieu's Yelter Bollen estimated using our new EU ETS Revenue Simulator. However, if the Flemish government maintains its current policies, 60-80% of that revenue would go to subsidise heavily polluting industries instead of to finance climate action and a fair transition, BBL calculated using publicly available official figures. This is a wasteful use of public revenue intended for climate action. The new Flemish government needs to change course urgently. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eii5_h7Z

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In a recent TNO online article on our research activities towards safe and responsible application of underground storage hydrogen storage (UHS), I am happy to feature and comment on TNO’s position. While the industry is in the lead to realize UHS, TNO acts as an independent knowledge partner, orchestrating research collaboration in partnerships with national and international organizations (academia, industry and government). #renewableenergy #powertogas #hydrogen #energystorage #undergroundstorage

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Dutch battery developer Dispatch recently announced the construction of the Netherlands' 'largest' stand-alone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), in collaboration with system integrator Fluence and utility Eneco. Construction is set to commence in the coming months.  The 45MW/ 90MWh utility-scale BESS will be located in the port area of Dordrecht, and will be used for grid stabilization by storing excess energy from renewable sources. Eneco will be optimizing the 2-hour battery system across various power markets.  The proposed battery storage facility, consisting of 144 Fluence cubes, has a capacity of 90 MWh and will on average store the energy supply equivalent for 21,500 households per day.  With this capacity, Eneco will improve the balance of the electricity grid, reduce the chances of a blackout, and make more efficient use of the energy generated by wind and solar.  Equans Netherlands will take charge of the engineering and construction of the battery storage system. Eneco will optimize the battery to maintain grid balance without increasing local congestion. In the Netherlands, the largest operational battery storage system so far is the 30 MW/ 68 MWh 'Project Pollux' BESS developed and operated by Alfen and SemperPower that became operational in late last year. SemperPower has also begun the operations of its 30.7 MW/ 62.6 MWh utility-scale energy storage project 'Castor' in the country.  Fluence, on the other hand, is also deploying deploying a 35 MW/ 100 MWh BESS for Engie at a solar power plant in the country. While Lion Storage's flagship battery storage project 'Mufasa', with a nameplate capacity of 364 MW/ 1,457 MWh is coming up as well at the Vlissingen port (North Sea Port) in the Netherlands.  https://lnkd.in/ddRdhTEE

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Data updated at the Bruegel - Improving economic policy Natural Gas Demand Tracker until April. Demand reductions continue, with recent months of 2024 even lower than 2023. The EU remains on track for is ambitious gas reduction targets in REPowerEU You can find all the data here: https://lnkd.in/dTw2Yfgy

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Last week, #Shell paused construction at its biofuels facility in Rotterdam to “ensure future competitiveness given current market conditions". In their 2Q24 market update, Shell announced expected non-cash post-tax impairments of $1.5-$2 billion, including up to $1 billion for Rotterdam biofuels. ❓ What does this mean for Shell’s decarbonisation strategy? The recent developments raise 2 key questions: 1️⃣ Will Shell lean even more on divestments? Shell aims to cut scope 3 emissions from oil sales by 15-20% between FY21-FY30 through divestments and shifting from traditional refining to chemicals and biorefining. Delays in biofuels may mean divestments will play an even greater role. 2️⃣ First renewables, now biofuels? Shell shifted away from renewables to focus on ‘low-carbon molecules’ such as biofuels as part of a more conservative capital allocation strategy. Our ‘Oil and Gas Majors 2024 AGMs' report estimates a 12% gap in Shell's FY30 NCI target. With biofuels now facing setbacks, how will Shell bridge this gap without heavily relying on offsets? Read the Accela Research Oil and Gas Majors’ 2024 AGMs report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCYMvXJR #climatefinance #esginvesting #accelaresearch #oilandgas #sustainablefinance #sustainability #climatetransition

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I receive many inbounds about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and many actually state the solution is within sight. Today I saw an article stating all we need to do is have a Dutch auction for producers and airlines to set the price and production will zoom up! Sadly, this is not the case and unless we find more effective means of producing SAF than the current known technologies the airline industry will look very different in ten years. Flying will only be for the well to do as it will cost more. Worley recently published a well balanced article on the current SAF technologies of biomass based oils to SAF (HEFA) and the alcohol to jet (ATJ). It points out HEFA is typically lower cost than ATJ and still twice fossil based fuel. The other conclusion is SAF will save corn ethanol producers. Due to the high cost, it will only if it is subsidized by governments. I hope we continue to look for other pathways to SAF that are cost effective to keep people connected. https://lnkd.in/g-E8PmSG

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