Long Duration Energy Storage in The Netherlands

Developments for two key options for long duration energy storage in The Netherlands are explored, including green hydrogen and sustainable heat. The Netherlands faces significant challenges in meeting its ambitious target of 8 GW hydrogen electrolysis capacity by 2032. Domestic production is hindered by supply chain issues, increased costs, and high grid tariffs, making Dutch green hydrogen expensive compared to foreign alternatives. Meanwhile, direct electrification has become more attractive due to falling costs for renewables and batteries. Blue hydrogen emerges as a cost-efficient alternative, with extensive CO2 storage capacity available in depleted North Sea gas fields and major projects like Porth’s and Aramis underway. The 8 GW target could be split, reverting to the Climate Agreement’s 3-4 GW goal for green hydrogen while formulating a separate objective for sustainable heat supply and storage. Thermal energy storage, both short-term and long-term, offers promising solutions for system flexibility and seasonal demand. High-temperature thermal storage in deep aquifers (HT-ATES) is particularly promising, with costs below €15 per GJ for large systems. A target for sustainable heat supply and storage should be supported by a coherent policy framework considering all societal benefits, including CO2 reduction and system flexibility