About the report:

The report analyzes the state of the hydrogen sector in Poland and the Netherlands, as well as opportunities to enhance cooperation between the countries in the development of hydrogen projects. We highlight differences in the development of hydrogen technologies in both countries. Although the Netherlands is the second-largest and Poland is the third-largest producer of hydrogen in the EU, the hydrogen economy in the Netherlands is mature and well-developed, while in Poland, despite its considerable potential, the sector is still emerging.

Key findings:

Despite the differences, the Netherlands and Poland share a number of similarities that could become the starting point for synergies. The two countries could build a hydrogen alliance to speed up their decarbonisation. Here are the key synergies:

• The growth engine for the hydrogen sector in the Netherlands and Poland will be the same: offshore wind energy. Both countries have big ambitions for offshore projects. In the coming decades, both countries will focus on developing the maritime economy, with industry growing at the fastest pace by the sea. The turn to the sea will require investment in ports, building new infrastructure, educating personnel, and creating new development policies. Here, the Netherlands’ know-how could help Poland.

• Hydrogen pipelines will be the foundation of the future hydrogen market. The Netherlands already has 1000 km. Poland does not yet have this kind of infrastructure and will need support building its own. In this context, cooperation the gas transmission operators — exchanging experience, know-how and best practices in the development of hydrogen transmission infrastructure — will be crucial.
• Providing sufficient hydrogen storage will be one of the main bottlenecks in the development of the hydrogen economy. Poland and the Netherlands have some of the best conditions in Europe for developing hydrogen storage in salt caverns. Exchanging experience and know-how on the construction of this type of infrastructure could be one of the key synergies between Poland and the Netherlands.
• Demand for green in Poland could rise from zero now to 450,000-510,000 tonnes by 2030. Meanwhile, the Polish Hydrogen Strategy envisages producing only 193,000 tonnes of green H2. To cover the shortfall, it will be necessary to prepare the infrastructure for hydrogen imports via dedicated pipelines and seaports. Poland will be able to follow the transition of the port of Rotterdam, which is set to become a key hydrogen hub for the Netherlands and Europe.