H2 in local energy systems

01/07/2024 - 30/06/2027

Smart dHYstrict investigates the cost-efficient use of hydrogen in local energy systems, in order to drastically reduce the strain on the electricity grid. The project aims to combine various technologies, such as optimal local consumption and the temporary storage of surplus energy in the form of hydrogen.

Smart dHYstrict tests diverse configurations on two complementary testbeds:

at Green Energy Park in Zellik (BE), distribution and storage of hydrogen will take place via a hydrogen distribution network and associated hydrogen tanks, both of which will be used bidirectionally (injecting and withdrawing hydrogen)
at VDL’s industrial site in Eindhoven (NL), hydrogen will be stored locally in a saline solution during the summer for use in generating energy and heat in the winter
Both sites will deploy a smart energy management system (EMS) under realistic conditions.

Smart dHYstrict will visit and organise workshops to inform companies, stakeholders and local authorities, and introduce the wider public to hydrogen.

Consortium

In addition to VDL Klima (NL) and Green Energy Park (BE), the Smart dHYstrict consortium comprises: technology developers Solhyd (BE) and NEWES (NL), knowledge organisations Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Gas.be (BE), distribution system operators Fluvius (VL) and Enexis (NL), high-tech company Priva (VL,NL), which will develop the EMS, and project coordinator WaterstofNet (VL,NL).

Role of VDL Klima

Within the Interreg Flanders-Netherlands project Smart dHYstrict, VDL Klima serves as the project site and project leader for the installation.

In the “front garden” of VDL Klima, the hydrogen installation will be installed and connected via a fuel cell to the factory’s electrical and central-heating systems.

More info at: 

Smart dHYstrict is funded under the Interreg VI programme Flanders–Netherlands, the cooperation programme with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).