Kavégas has been an expert in the storage and sale of propane gas for over 40 years. The company is now using that knowledge and experience for the production, storage, and sale of hydrogen. From the municipality of Ede, Kavégas expects to produce 100,000 kilograms of hydrogen per year under the name Hypure by 2030. “That will make us a hydrogen hub for the region.”“The Netherlands is stuck,” says Peter de Leeuw of Kavégas. “In terms of nitrogen emissions, companies can’t move forward, especially if they border a Natura 2000 area. Hydrogen is a good alternative. I expect a complete ecosystem for hydrogen to emerge in the eastern part of the country and in Germany. Because we can produce hydrogen, but storage, transport, refueling stations, and other related services and products are also necessary.”100,000 kilograms per yearA 4,500 square meter site in Ederveen will be transformed in the coming years into a location for hydrogen production, storage, and a refueling station. “We will cover a large part of the area with solar panels, because electricity is needed to make hydrogen. Electrolyzers will be placed in sea containers,” says Peter.“In the first year, we hope to produce 100,000 kilograms. That’s enough to fuel over 1,600 trucks. Of course, transport isn’t the only application. Think of construction sites that can generate electricity on-site using hydrogen and a hydrogen generator.”The step from propane gas to hydrogen is logical for Kavégas for several reasons: “We have the knowledge, training, and permits to work with gases. And in addition, we want to take a ‘green step.’ In other words, contribute to sustainability.”Producing hydrogen locallyKavégas does not produce propane gas itself, but it will produce hydrogen in-house. “Purchasing, electricity, and transport of hydrogen are costly aspects. If we produce it locally, that will reduce the price and make hydrogen accessible to more buyers.”Knowledge exchange within the hydrogen networkIn addition to buyers, Peter also expects to find partners in the broader region around Ede. “The interesting thing about H2eart is that it crosses borders,” he says. The project, which is working on a regional hydrogen network that will eventually be connected to the national hydrogen backbone, extends into Germany. “Of course, it’s great if Hypure gets customers in Germany, but I find it just as great if the hydrogen initiatives within the H2eart network learn from each other. Sharing knowledge and experiences is important at this early stage.”Policy that gives the hydrogen transition wings“The transition from fossil fuels—like propane gas—to renewable energy—like hydrogen—is a solution for achieving government policy goals and for helping the economy move forward,” says Peter. “Hydrogen is sustainable; you destroy nothing and can keep making it infinitely. Moreover, we must find an alternative to electricity due to grid congestion and CO₂ emission regulations. That’s why I hope for political policy that gives the hydrogen transition wings.”&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:32.32%;" src="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/hypure_logo_99e897426c.jpg" alt="hypure logo.jpg" srcset="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/thumbnail_hypure_logo_99e897426c.jpg 245w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/small_hypure_logo_99e897426c.jpg 500w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/medium_hypure_logo_99e897426c.jpg 750w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/large_hypure_logo_99e897426c.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000">

Entrepreneur with a Hydrogen Vision: Peter de Leeuw Works on the Future