NLHydrogen and its Spanish counterpart, the Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2), have signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to the creation of a platform for exchange and collaboration, involving industries, governments, universities and research centres in both countries.

The efforts of Spain and the Netherlands stand out amongst those made by other countries on the continent, both in terms of developing and adopting green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The agreement aims to boost this momentum with the objective of generating market benefits that are in line with the European policy of promoting this sustainable energy source, which it considers an important energy carrier for decarbonisation.

A more sustainable economy
According to the memorandum, the two associations will organise joint activities, exchange information and participate together in major events. They will also publicise the results obtained from these initiatives. In addition to economic benefits, they will therefore contribute to making the move towards a more sustainable economy in which carbon emissions are reduced.

The signing of the agreement took place during the state visit to Spain by the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander.. In addition to visiting several green hydrogen facilities with Felipe VI, he also attended a symposium presenting the advances made in the so-called “hydrogen valleys”, as well as the importance of this fuel for decarbonising the aviation sector.

Close cooperation
One of the clearest conclusions from this official trip was in particular the need to create close ties for collaboration between Spain and the Netherlands in striving to decarbonise transport and aviation. So, in addition to being presented with various projects and initiatives led by Spanish and Dutch companies and green hydrogen organisations, the monarch was also present at the signing of the agreement between the NLHydrogen and AeH2 associations.

According to AeH2 President, Javier Brey, this memorandum “will strengthen our collaboration and boost hydrogen valleys in Europe”, and he explained that “These valleys, including those funded by the EU in the Netherlands and Spain, are key to developing local markets and building a European hydrogen union”.

The same association pointed out that, “In this favourable context, the interest and investment by the main players in the energy industry in hydrogen-related technologies has resulted in a remarkable development of the business, scientific and industrial fabric at a national and international level. This trend reflects the growing recognition of the opportunities and benefits associated with the use of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier”.

^{Photo: Spanish Hydrogen Association}