HyER Power, a young and innovative hydrogen startup from Delft, has announced the launch of the HyER Power Plant in Zeeland. This innovative system combines a heat pump and a fuel cell to efficiently generate both heat and electricity using hydrogen. The Province of Zeeland is facing serious grid congestion, preventing businesses from expanding or establishing new locations due to long waiting times for grid access. The HyER Power Plant will therefore be installed at Innovation Hub KAAP in Vlissingen, a facility that requires both electricity and heat and seeks a sustainable solution while also dealing with grid congestion.
A first for Zeeland
The HyER Power Plant is the first system in the Netherlands to implement this unique combination of technologies, positioning Zeeland as a pioneer in sustainable energy. The project serves as a test case for the built environment, demonstrating the feasibility of generating both electricity and heat from hydrogen.
Over the past year, we have been working intensively on our project plan as part of the Boost the Energy Transition Challenge,”
“As a young company with a new concept, finding the right partners for large-scale testing was challenging. While we developed a prototype in Delft, a demonstration setup proved to be the perfect next step. Together with Dockwize, we found a suitable location to start and later scale to the market: Innovation Hub KAAP at the Kenniswerf in Vlissingen.”
Collaboration and development
HyER Power has closely collaborated with various partners, including Dockwize, to take the first steps and assess what is needed for system implementation. The project plan includes extensive studies on current and projected energy consumption, followed by the development of system designs and installation plans.
Van der Wal adds: “The HyER Power Plant will generate both electricity and heat from hydrogen for buildings. This is a major step for Vlissingen, as it will become a showcase location for new energy solutions. Additionally, students from different universities and technical schools will have the opportunity to participate in this project.”
The HyER Power Plant Project involves collaboration with multiple companies, developing technologies that can benefit sectors such as residential housing, business parks, and small industries.”
Recognition and funding
After a year of hard work developing project plans within the Boost the Energy Transition Challenge, this promising initiative has now secured funding from the Zeeuwse Public Interests Foundation (SZPB). This grant is part of the Boost the Energy Transition Challenge by Dockwize and SZPB, which aims to accelerate the energy transition by supporting innovative and sustainable projects.
The HyER Power Plant is twice as efficient as conventional systems and has therefore received €332,874 in funding from the SZPB to bring the project to life in Vlissingen.
HyER Power is working on something that is particularly interesting for grid operators: the flexible deployment of energy installations. They combine renewable electricity and heat with storage, ensuring full flexibility in the energy grid. Innovation Hub KAAP provides the perfect location to test and develop these innovations.” adds Martin Martens, jury member of the Boost the Energy Transition Challenge.
Context and necessity
The Province of Zeeland is currently struggling with severe grid congestion, especially in business areas. Companies looking to establish themselves or expand are often placed on waiting lists, making it nearly impossible to grow. This context was crucial in the formation of HyER Power and the development of the HyER Power Plant.
The integrated system—consisting of a fuel cell system, heat pump, and energy storage technology—offers a decentralized, all-in-one solution for electricity and heat, enhanced by smart energy management software (EMATS).
Future prospects
HyER Power hopes that this pioneering project will pave the way for more sustainable energy solutions in the Netherlands. The initiative provides a unique opportunity for businesses and students to engage in the development of new technologies and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The project aims to demonstrate that the HyER Power Plant is an economically and technically viable solution for grid congestion and the reliable supply of renewable electricity and heat. The HyER Power Plant is expected to be operational by December 2025.
