Frisian Hydrogen, municipality in the lead

By project UNLOCK

Published on 03 April 2025

Netherlands

Friesland (NL)

About this good practice

For several companies in Bolsward, sustainability through electricity is not the solution. These companies require heat that cannot be obtained through electricity.
Therefore, the municipality of SWF, together with several companies in Bolsward, has developed a plan to produce hydrogen. This will be done using electricity from two nearby wind farms.
The 25MW electrolyzer converts wind energy and water into hydrogen, oxygen, and heat. We store green hydrogen and use it for industry, filling stations, and businesses. Oxygen is directed to the sewage treatment plant (RWZI), Rentex, hospitals, and sales. Heat flows through the district heating network to homes and businesses.
There is enough heat for 8,700 homes and it makes Bolsward free of natural gas.
The municipality, together with the entrepreneurs, has examined the feasibility of the project. The conducted studies show that the plan is feasible. The municipality has decided to leave the construction of the hydrogen plant to the market but will remain involved as a discussion partner in the further development of the plans.

Resources needed

The external costs for research were €300,000.
The internal costs amounted to 1 FTE over the past two years.
Additionally, various stakeholders have invested time in the research and the project team. These costs have not been calculated.

Evidence of success

The municipality's approach of working together with businesses to create a plan has been successful. As a result, the businesses have been given a strong opportunity for sustainability.
The municipality has fulfilled its role well and is now stepping back as its role requires.
Hydrogen is not a given; if you want to make progress, a solid initial push is needed. The municipality has provided this together with the businesses.
At this moment, multiple market parties have shown interest.

Potential for learning or transfer

The municipality has played a leading role in this project, including providing a project leader and the necessary (external) expertise. This demonstrates that a collaborative approach with businesses can lead to a solid plan and support the sustainability efforts of these businesses.
Because of the municipality’s leading role, the focus extended beyond just the needs of the businesses. This allowed connections to be made with the heating demand of residential buildings and the opportunities this development offers for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
As a result, the project has gained regional added value.