Denmark and the Netherlands strengthen green hydrogen cooperation

In a further step toward establishing a cohesive European hydrogen market, Denmark and the Netherlands have signed a new cooperation agreement. This agreement, formalised during a royal visit from the Netherlands in Denmark, emphasises green hydrogen's vital role in Europe’s green transition.

Photo credit: Krestine Havemann / Havemann Photo

By State of Green | [email protected]

12 November 2024

Green hydrogen is Danish hydrogen

Get a full overview on how hydrogen can produce green fuels for transport and industry, create value for electricity supply and the electricity grid, and deliver heat for district heating – provided the input is green energy.

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Green hydrogen offers a promising, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels currently used in sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry. However, achieving its full potential requires an integrated European market for green hydrogen.

Following the adoption of the EU’s hydrogen and gas market package, the regulatory framework for a European hydrogen market is nearly in place. Yet, there remains considerable ground to cover. Thus, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, has formalised Denmark’s commitment to green hydrogen by signing an agreement with the Netherlands, strengthening collaborative efforts toward a shared hydrogen future.

The agreement was signed in the presence of dignitaries including His Majesty King Frederik of Denmark and His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

“Fossil fuels still hold an oversized role in Europe, which we need to change, and green hydrogen is one of the solutions. By striving to produce much more green hydrogen than we need domestically, we aim to push Europe’s green transition forward. The Danish-Dutch partnership is a step toward a connected European hydrogen market, linking producers and consumers in support of this green alternative,” Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities.

Discover Denmark's ambitions and approach to green hydrogen

Through collaboration and partnerships across sectors, solutions and borders, Denmark aims to become a frontrunner in green hydrogen.

Discover Denmark’s history, goals and ambitions for a greener future.

Denmark’s vision as a green energy exporter

With Denmark’s vast renewable energy production potential, the country aims to become a net exporter of green energy, benefitting the wider European market and advancing the continent’s green transition. A key part of this plan involves Energinet’s development of a hydrogen pipeline to Germany.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands envisions itself as a European hub for green hydrogen import and transit. Their land-based hydrogen network is underway, with routes—such as those to Germany—anticipated to come online progressively after 2030.

This agreement reinforces both nations’ commitments to making green hydrogen accessible and fostering energy independence within the EU, furthering the continent’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

Dutch-Danish Offtake Declaration on Green Hydrogen

As part of the state visit, royalties, ministers and business leaders signed a Dutch-Danish Offtake Declaration on Green Hydrogen at a session at the House of Industries, which outlines a collaborative framework for building a robust hydrogen market in Northwestern Europe. This declaration aims to facilitate the region’s green transition through shared infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and sector-specific projects.

The declaration sets out a vision to establish a leading green hydrogen cluster in Northwestern Europe, combining Danish and Dutch strengths across the green hydrogen value chain. Denmark’s renewable energy resources and export potential align with the Netherlands’ strong industrial demand, especially in sectors like heavy transport, maritime, and aviation. By integrating production and offtake capabilities, the partnership underscores the importance of regional collaboration in realizing Europe’s long-term climate and energy goals.

To support this vision, the declaration identifies key actions:

Building cross-border hydrogen infrastructure: The declaration includes a commitment to developing a connected hydrogen infrastructure between Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, including the Hyperlink network. The network will enable the efficient distribution of green hydrogen across borders and support the REPowerEU 2030 targets.
Strengthening policy and financial support: Recognizing the need for competitive pricing, the agreement emphasises swift implementation of EU regulations, particularly the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) targets, to stimulate green hydrogen demand. Joint Danish-Dutch projects will focus on securing funding to bridge the cost gap between green and fossil-based hydrogen.
Advancing offshore hydrogen production: Leveraging the North Sea’s wind energy resources, the declaration highlights plans for a shared offshore hydrogen infrastructure by the mid-2030s. This will support large-scale hydrogen production, enabling a cost-effective supply to meet regional demand.
The declaration is supported by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, European Energy, Fountain Fuel, Gasunie Deutschland, HyCC, MorGen Energy, Nobian, North Shore Gas, North Sea Port, Port of Amsterdam, Port Esbjerg, Port of Rotterdam, Resato Hydrogen Technology, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, RWE, SAS – Scandinavian Airlines, Royal Schiphol Group, SkyNRG, Topsoe, TotalEnergies, Toyota Motor Corporation, Vattenfall, Yara International, Ørsted.

Read the declaration

Denmark has experience and solutions across the entire green hydrogen value chain

Denmark has experience across the entire green hydrogen value chain, spanning unparalleled knowledge within wind energy, highly efficient electrolyser technologies, cross-industry energy efficiency, a strong transport sector, district heating grids for heat utilisation, and cutting-edge technology providers.

Renowned for research and development, Denmark supports the emergence of new industries while aligning workforce skills with hydrogen sector demands. A strong emphasis on education cultivates a skilled labour force, facilitating a green and equitable transition.

Discover Denmark’s goals, ambitions and progress on green hydrogen