Commissioned by the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), we conducted an exploratory study into the implementation of hydrogen in Flanders. Although various forms of hydrogen (grey, blue, green…) may play a role in certain future scenarios, the study assumes that there'll be a strong increase in the demand for green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.

We turn climate challenges into an economic opportunity. Our commitment to the Moonshot “Flanders CO2-neutral” will be honored. [...] In this context, we'll continue to invest in research into sustainable and renewable energy. We have the ambition to become the European leader in hydrogen, among other things.


Flemish Coalition Agreement 2019-2024

Green hydrogen sector photo

Our research departed from a sector photo, in relation to the international context, and an exploration of the location factors for the production, transport and consumption of green hydrogen. Some initial conclusions are:

  • Today, the production of hydrogen mainly comes from natural gas ('grey hydrogen') instead of low-carbon energy ('green hydrogen'). As Flanders is not expected to generate (large) surpluses of renewable energy in the coming years, it's most likely that affordable green hydrogen will be imported.
  • The transport of green hydrogen or its derivatives, including methanol and ammonia, will mainly take place via pipelines. In Flanders, the seaports will likely function as international hubs that combine both import and production of hydrogen from (offshore) renewable wind energy.
  • The consumption will be depending on the breakthrough and application of (green) hydrogen in Flanders. To date, hydrogen is almost exclusively used for industrial purposes and, as a result, the supply currently happens through private hydrogen networks or via trailers. Future growth opportunities are seen in hydrogen as a sustainable raw material for industrial production processes and long-haul cargo

Conclusions case studies

Two case studies have been developed, examining the preconditions for concrete business cases for hydrogen in Flanders. It has been established that promising project pilots are already possible today. For example: (1) the development of a distribution network for hydrogen via various transport modes or (2) the reuse of residual hydrogen from industrial applications for other purposes.

The result

The result was a set of cards on which opportunities and location factors for various applications were spatially localised. Based on this, policy recommendations for developing a future long-term strategy were made, as well as an investment program for green hydrogen.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Waterstofnet and a steering group with actors from the Flemish government.