Episode 6

“Hydrogen and Climate Policy in the Netherlands: Between Hope and Hype”

Hosts: Zia-Melchior Hoseini, Jim Maskell
Guest: Prof. dr. Heleen de Coninck—Professor of Socio-Technical Innovation and Climate Change

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In this episode, Zia-Melchior and Jim continue their deep-dive conversation with Prof. Heleen de Coninck, focusing specifically on the role of hydrogen in Dutch and European climate strategies. The discussion unpacks the policy mechanisms such as the EU ETS, the SDE++ subsidy scheme, and the broader socio-economic implications of hydrogen production and trade. Prof. De Coninck masterfully weaves technical depth with political realities, offering an honest and sobering look at where hydrogen fits—and where it doesn’t—within the Dutch energy transition. Despite a legally binding target of 55% emission reduction by 2030, the Netherlands is not on track, according to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. “If we don’t change policies and make them stronger and more ambitious, this target will be missed.” While the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the backbone of emissions pricing, covering electricity and industry, it is not sufficient alone to meet goals. “Putting a price on emissions is not enough. We need additional instruments—energy efficiency standards, innovation subsidies, and infrastructure investment.” Hydrogen can play a role, especially in industry and shipping, but Prof. De Coninck urges caution about overhyping it, particularly for transport and heating. “Electricity is the more energy-efficient way to decarbonize. Whatever you can electrify, you must electrify.”

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There is room for gray hydrogen to ramp up demand, moving gradually toward blue (with carbon capture) and ultimately green (renewables-based) hydrogen. But infrastructure and financial tools must be in place. “Hydrogen is hydrogen. It doesn’t matter to the user. You can start demand with gray hydrogen, then gradually shift to cleaner forms.” The SDE++ scheme in the Netherlands helps close the cost gap between carbon prices and production costs, offering a contract-for-difference model to encourage cleaner hydrogen investments. “Subsidies fill the gap between the EU ETS carbon price and the actual cost of blue or green hydrogen. It’s working—but stability is key.” Hydrogen, although not a direct greenhouse gas, contributes indirectly by reacting with radicals that would otherwise degrade methane. “Hydrogen has a global warming potential of 11—11 times that of CO₂—due to its indirect effects. Leakage matters.” Exporting green hydrogen from the Global South may reinforce inequalities, similar to past fossil fuel patterns. “Our research shows that exporting countries don’t always benefit. It can deepen inequality and stall their own transitions.” Prof. De Coninck concludes with a strong call for policy stability and directional clarity, urging decision-makers to avoid hype cycles and build durable, just infrastructure. “The energy transition is not helped by hype and PowerPoint investments. You need to know where you're going—and stick to it.”