Marseille, Wibbien (2024) From gas grids to hydrogen hubs: insights from the Northern Netherlands. Bachelor thesis.
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Abstract
In the late 1950s, the Dutch discovered their natural gas reserves and created one of the most complex and expansive gas grids in the world. Today, the existing gas infrastructure is being repurposed to leverage a second gas revolution: traditional fossil fuels are being superseded by green hydrogen. This marks a significant shift towards sustainable energy solutions. This qualitative research investigates factors shaping the innovative landscape of the Northern Netherlands and poses the following research question: ‘How does green hydrogen innovation in the Northern Netherlands diffuse?’ This question is answered by examining the roles of publicly-funded institutions and startups in the transition to a hydrogen-based energy-system. The research employs the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) to dissect the variables influencing green hydrogen diffusion. The DOI theory outlines five main factors affecting the diffusion of technological innovation: relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability and observability. These factors are integral to the MLP framework, which provides a comprehensive view of the multi-dimensional changes in socio-technical systems. The DOI factors shape the innovation dynamics at the different levels in which the transition occurs. At the micro-level, niches for green hydrogen innovation are influenced by ‘relative advantage’ and ‘trialability’ of new technologies. At the meso-level, socio-technical regimes are shaped by the ‘compatibility’ and ‘complexity’ of integrating hydrogen solutions within existing infrastructures and regulatory frameworks. The macro-level socio-technical landscape is shaped by the ‘observability’ of successful innovations which drives the policy and market conditions that facilitate widespread diffusion. These frameworks elucidate the process of green hydrogen diffusion throughout the Northern Netherlands. The study uses purposive sampling to recruit a group of eight interviewees from publicly-funded institutions and startups. Semi-structured interviews are conducted and analysed by coding themes derived from the theories and interview transcripts. Publicly-funded institutions bridge research and practical application, aiding startups in advancing green hydrogen technologies and informing policy-making. Startups drive the technical development of innovation, providing test beds for new technologies and tailoring them to regional needs. Together, these public and private entities shape the ecosystem that underpins the development of a green hydrogen-based energy-system in the Northern Netherlands. Policy recommendations include measures to support supply and demand, the clarification of procedures to apply for subsidies, networking opportunities, and infrastructure investment. These policies would position the Northern Netherlands as a critical global green hydrogen hub.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Degree programme: | Human Geography and Planning |
| Supervisor: | Abbasiharofteh, M. |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Jul 2024 13:39 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Jul 2024 13:39 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4607 |
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