More and more buildings are switching to electric heating, and electric vehicles are quickly becoming the norm. But all that clean electricity has to come from somewhere, and our grid is struggling to keep up. Grid congestion is already delaying construction projects and forcing buildings to stay on fossil-based heating systems longer than planned. In other words, it’s a serious challenge that HyER Power aims to solve with their technology based on hydrogen.
From frustration to solution
Founder Saul Oost has worked in the energy industry his entire career. During a sustainable heating project, he encountered heat pumps running on diesel generators, as there was no infrastructure to connect them to the electricity grid. He started sketching out a solution: a local energy system powered by hydrogen that could provide both heat and electricity, independent from the grid.
There are already locations where new grid connections aren’t available, and people are using diesel to power heat pumps. That’s not what sustainable energy should look like.” –
Saul Oost, founder of HyER Power.
After several companies passed on the idea, Saul decided to build it himself. Together with his long-time friends Mohammed Hussein, Erik van der Wal, and Mats van der Gulik, they founded HyER Power. Today, their solution is a reality: a modular hydrogen-powered energy system that delivers low-emission electricity and heat for the built infrastructure.
How it works
At the heart of the HyER Power Plant is a hydrogen fuel cell. The system combines this with a heat pump, thermal buffer, and battery, all managed by smart software. It supplies buildings with clean electricity during peak grid hours and delivers heat that’s over 100% more efficient than a conventional boiler. It’s a compact, integrated alternative to diesel generators and gas-fired heating systems.
Getting things done
After testing a prototype at The Green Village in Delft, the team is moving on to their first commercial installations. The systems are now being deployed at industrial sites and construction projects in Rotterdam and Vlissingen.
HyER Power joined YES!Delft in 2023 and completed the Validation Lab. The program helped the team sharpen their market focus and connect with essential technical partners, such as electrical engineering experts who are also part of the YES!Delft ecosystem.
There’s so much talent in the YES!Delft ecosystem. Sometimes, your next partner is just a coffee machine away.”
– Mohammed Hussein, co-founder of HyER Power.
What’s next
The startup is preparing for large-scale deployment. In the coming year, they’ll launch new pilot projects, develop a next-generation module to cut investment costs and expand their software platform. Their current team consists of five full-timers, one part-timer, and three members on their advisory board. Public support has come from the City of Rotterdam, the Province of Zuid-Holland, and Stichting Zeeuwse Publieke Belangen, with early-stage backing from friends and family.
Let’s connect
HyER Power is expanding its network. Are you a developer, utility provider, or energy professional facing decarbonization challenges or grid congestion?
Hydrogen hasn’t always been the obvious solution, but with our high-efficiency approach, it is becoming a viable option. Whether you are seeking a clean alternative to diesel or exploring decentralized solutions for power and heat, we would be happy to show you what is now possible. Please contact us via info@hyerpower.nl
