“We are each other's opposites, but have the same goal”

From fossil fuels to hydrogen. Norrbotten and Groningen in the Netherlands have taken the lead in the green transition. Now the regions have met in Luleå to look ahead together and learn from each other.

The ground is shaking under Groningen in the northern Netherlands. Literally. Just over 60 years after the discovery of the large natural gas field, it is no longer possible to extract any more. Earthquakes that damage infrastructure and buildings have become commonplace. And what's more: natural gas is contributing to the climate crisis.

Groningen must change. But to what end? The answer to that question has given the same answer there as in Norrbotten: hydrogen.

– We are each other's contrasts, but we have the same goals and unique conditions to lead the green transition, said Nils-Olov Lindfors (C), regional councilor responsible for regional development.

Regional Councilor Nils-Olov Lindfors (C) welcomed the exchange of experiences with Groningen. Photo: Sara Stylbäck Vesa.

On May 18, Lindfors had the opportunity to welcome a group from the Netherlands to Luleå. Among the 50 participants were politicians, civil servants, representatives of the business community, business developers and researchers.

“For most of us, this is the first time we visit your beautiful region, but it won't be the last. This is too big to tackle alone,” said Groningen Mayor Koen Schuiling, referring to the green transition.

From Norrbotten, speakers from Region Norrbotten, Boden Municipality, Luleå Municipality and Luleå Port participated in a seminar at Vetenskapens Hus. The purpose was to meet, learn from each other and create new contacts. Everyone is on the journey to learn about hydrogen and transition to a new, fossil-free economy.

The 50 delegates began their visit to Luleå at the Science House and then went on to Hybrit and LTU. Photo: Martijn Heemstra.

In Norrbotten, hydrogen will produce fossil-free steel, but there are also plans for fertilizer and fuel. In the Netherlands, the decision to turn off the natural gas tap next year has been difficult, but necessary.

“It brought prosperity and 20 jobs, but also earthquakes. Of course it has a big impact. Our local economy is dependent on natural gas. But that's why we're working with hydrogen now – it's urgent and we have the knowledge and the infrastructure,” said Thom Duijvené de Wit, economic advisor to the city of Groningen.

“Look beyond the borders”

The realization that a change was needed came in the early 2010s. First, experiments were made with biogas, but difficulties were encountered. Around 2017, knowledge about hydrogen had increased. One conclusion was that Groningen's network of pipelines was very suitable for transporting hydrogen.

– In Groningen, we are not just making plans, we have started working. With hydrogen there are many questions: how to make it, transport it, store it, use it. We are in the process of figuring out how it works, said Marieke Abbink, CEO of the New Energy Coalition.

The hydrogen project in the so-called “Hydrogen Valley” is to be completed in 2025, said Marieke Abbink. Photo: Martijn Heemstra.

– We work with 30 partners from seven countries. And we are proud to do this together. We cannot do it alone, we have to cooperate and look across borders between countries and companies. A big step is a meeting like this, continued Marieke Abbink.

The investment being made in Groningen impressed today's moderator, Mox Murugan from Invest in Norrbotten, among others.

– Very inspiring! You had the riches from the gas fields and you saw what it cost. Unlike many others, you said “enough is enough”. Not “it is regrettable”. It is courage and dedication like this that the world needs. Most people don’t act as if the house is on fire, but you do, said Mox Murugan.

Mox Murugan from Invest in Norrbotten put the size of the investments in Norrbotten into perspective. As a comparison, he mentioned, among other things, the cost of building the new Suez Canal and hosting ten Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Martijn Heemstra.

Nils-Olov Lindfors spoke about Norrbotten's good conditions, with access to green electricity, the hydrogen storage facilities being built, the iron deposits that will become fossil-free steel, and the expansion of the port of Luleå.

“All of our challenges are positive, but they are still problems that we must solve in a short time. In the future, I look forward to collaborating and learning from each other, especially in the hydrogen area,” said Lindfors.

Göran Carlsson, acting CEO of the Port of Luleå, spoke about the projects with Malmporten and Botnia Link H2. The latter is about making Luleå a hub for hydrogen. He also highlighted the need to overcome competition and collaborate. Another important tool is all the research on hydrogen at LTU.

Focus on research

– We can ensure that we have world-class research and development, because then it will be more interesting to be here. Research and development is an area where we can take the initiative and create something that interests companies.

Håkan Nordin, business developer at Boden Municipality, participated to talk about H2GS's establishment and the challenges that the plans bring with regard to attractiveness, infrastructure and skills supply.

– We need to further train existing companies, work with universities, education at lower levels, pupils and students need to learn about hydrogen and green steel. It is extremely inspiring to be a part of but we need to increase our knowledge, he said.


Groningen Mayor Koen Schuiling was impressed by what he saw during the visit and repeatedly emphasized the need for cooperation. Photo: Martijn Heemstra.

Before the delegation from the Netherlands rolled on towards a study visit to LTU and Hybrit, Groningen Mayor Koen Schuiling summed up his thoughts after today's conversation about green transition.

– We have a global problem, and not much time. We have to act and it is too much to do alone. So we need to find partners who think the same way as us, partners with similar problems. We could not have found a better time to come here and we are very impressed by what we have seen and what this region is going to do. It is absolutely necessary, but also challenging.

Regional Councilor Nils-Olov Lindfors was uplifted after today's meetings and conversations.

– It is so incredibly easy to collaborate with the Dutch. It is so gratifying that we are all on the same page. Many have made it clear from their delegation: we want to continue collaborating. The feeling you get after today's meeting is that we are already a family.

Here you can read the Groningen delegation's presentation.Engine for the New European Hydrogen Economy 

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Welcome to Hydrogen Valley (5 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L27dkYyg04g