TNO analyzes green hydrogen for Dutch transport
A TNO report examines green hydrogen’s potential in transport, contrasting refinery and direct usage methods, considering both economic and environmental effects.
Published on February 1, 2025
A TNO report examines green hydrogen’s potential in transport, contrasting refinery and direct usage methods, considering both economic and environmental effects. The analysis comes as part of the Netherlands’ response to the revised Renewable Energy Directive, which requires EU member states to ensure that by 2030, at least 5.5% of energy in the transport sector comes from advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO). The Dutch government has set an ambitious RFNBO sub-target of approximately 5.5 PJ by 2030 , positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s hydrogen transition.
TNO’s comprehensive study focuses on determining appropriate correction factors for different hydrogen deployment methods in the transport sector. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aims to prioritize the direct use of hydrogen in transport over refinery applications, as this approach potentially offers greater greenhouse gas reduction benefits. This aligns with TNO’s broader mission to support the Netherlands’ transition to a hydrogen economy through collaboration between government, industry, and knowledge institutions.
Future infrastructure development
The report’s findings will be crucial in shaping the Netherlands’ hydrogen infrastructure development. TNO emphasizes that transitioning to hydrogen-based transport requires careful consideration of production methods, economies of scale, and technological innovations. This analysis comes at a critical time as the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking plans significant developments in hydrogen infrastructure across Europe, with specific attention to transport sector applications.
Looking ahead, TNO will present its findings during a dedicated webinar scheduled for February 20, 2025, focusing on zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and their role in decarbonizing transport. This initiative is particularly significant as road freight remains one of Europe’s highest-polluting sectors, making the transition to green hydrogen crucial for meeting EU climate targets.