The DutcH₂ Aviation Hub Destination Hydrogen Event from November 25th was a hotspot of innovation and collaboration, aimed at leveraging hydrogen as the future fuel for aviation. Hosted by the Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport (RHIA), the event featured a comprehensive agenda of discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Opening and Key Discussions
The day began with a warm welcome from Victor Rijkaart, director of RHIA, who set the tone for the event by emphasizing the importance of sustainable aviation. The closing remarks by Cornelia Bom, chairman of the RHIA Executive Board, reinforced the day’s theme and the potential of hydrogen in transforming the aviation industry.
Key government stakeholders, Robert Simons (Alderman for Port, Economy, Hospitality and Governance of Rotterdam), Saskia Bruines (Alderman for Economy of The Hague), and Meindert Stolk (Regional Minister for Economy and Innovation of Zuid Holland), highlighted the regional implications and opportunities of hydrogen aviation development:
- Robert Simons: stressed the urgency of short-term innovation to establish hydrogen as a viable energy carrier for the future.
- Saskia Bruines: emphasized the necessity of collaboration to achieve substantial progress.
- Meindert Stolk: pointed out the DutcH₂ Aviation Hub’s significance beyond regional borders, aiming for European integration.
Keynote and Presentations
Edward Gilding introduced InnovationQuarter and the Aerospace Delta Agenda, focusing on fostering collaborations within the sector. “The biggest challenge we see coming from businesses themselves is that they really want to test pilots and collaborate with the different partners that are necessary. Those collaborations aren’t easy, because it’s new technology and we, as InnovationQuarter, help these initiators to find the right partners. In 20 years, I’m hoping to see the first projects are up and running in this region, and that future developments are really ‘catching on’ whether it is in aviation, transport or maritime. And that we are already developing new technologies to accelerate even further.”
Niclas Dzikus, Dr.-Ing. Seconded National Expert at the European Commission, delivered an engaging keynote speech on clean transport transitions, underscoring hydrogen’s critical role in Europe’s future. “Hydrogen is a very interesting energy carrier to decarbonize the whole aviation industry, it has no CO2 emissions, we expect that this also has a positive impact on other non-CO2 emissions. With this new energy carrier and all the viabilities we have, we can redesign the whole aircraft, making it more sufficient, increasing efficiency and therefor increasing the competitiveness of these aircrafts.”
Daan van Dijk, program manager of the DutcH₂ Aviation Hub, presented the strategic steps towards hydrogen aviation, setting the stage for the day’s workshops.
Workshops and Innovations
The event featured a series of workshops that delved into technology development, supply chain, and infrastructure. Participants were encouraged to form new projects and consortia, leading to the creation of over 15 initiatives aimed at boosting hydrogen adoption in aviation. This collaborative effort laid a strong foundation for future projects and partnerships.
Jos van den Boom, director of RHIA, spoke on the importance of international collaboration, while Merian Lelieveld delivered us a view in funding mechanisms on a regional, national and European level, including topic sweet spots, consortium elements and innovation spearpoints to advance these initiatives.
Technological Showcase
A highlight of the event was the showcase by Air Products and Schenk Tanktransport, who brought a state-of-the-art liquid hydrogen transport trailer. Participants had the opportunity to tour the trailer and learn about the technology that will facilitate the delivery of liquid hydrogen to Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
Conclusion and Gratitude
The success of the Destination Hydrogen Event was made possible by the contributions of numerous speakers, workshop moderators, and participants. Special thanks were extended to Jolanda Stevens, Chris van Dijk, Jan-Daan Maasland, Marlies Hak, Stephen Hands, and Mick van Hattem from the DutcH₂Aviation Hub team, as well as the municipalities of Rotterdam and The Hague, the Province of Zuid-Holland, and InnovationQuarter, including its Aerospace Delta brand—the leading South Holland cluster and umbrella name representing a sector that hosts 80% of all Dutch aviation activities.
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The Destination Hydrogen Event has set a promising path forward, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in achieving a sustainable future for aviation. This event was not just a gathering; it was a powerful step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in aviation.
