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The HyXchange initative aims to realize a trading platform for hydrogen on the main Dutch hydrogen infrastructure, including the global imports there and the European countries associated with it.
The HyXchange Initiative
Introduction: Hydrogen is increasingly attracting interest as an important part of the energy transition. No greenhouse gas is released when hydrogen is used. Hydrogen is therefore regarded by many as a climate-neutral energy carrier for the future. The Dutch Climate Agreement Act therefore devotes a great deal of attention to hydrogen. Due to the position that hydrogen will occupy in the future and the many ways in which it can be produced and used, with a variety of producers and users, the development of the trade in hydrogen will become important. As a result, parties from the sector have started the “HyXchange” initiative. HyXchange is supported by Gasunie, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Amsterdam, Groningen Seaports, North Sea Ports and a large, growing number of interested market parties.
Key objectives: For the functioning of a hydrogen exchange it is important that the underlying conditions for market forces in hydrogen are met. Firstly, an openly accessible transport infrastructure for hydrogen is important condition; this will be facilitated with the establishment of the backbone that allows storage and independent management. Secondly a diverse supply of hydrogen is important, in which, in addition to the electrolysis of Dutch sustainable electricity, other sources also play a role, in particular the import of (green) hydrogen from other countries and continents, and low-carbon hydrogen from industrial processes. This also contributes to the security of supply. Thirdly, a dependable and transparent trading platform greatly enhances market access, pools liquidity and reduces transaction costs and trading risks. The HyXchange platform should be expected to catalyse an increasing demand for climate-neutral hydrogen produced by an expanding asset base, driving optimal balancing of supply and demand through transparent pricing.
Supporting development of policy framework: The diverse origins of hydrogen must be transparently standardized through a system of realistic certificates accessible to all sources, which can also be traded separately. There are national and European initiatives for a setup of this system, which are still lagging behind, especially with regard to hydrogen imports, compared to the ever-increasing urgency and the goal (also European) of sustainable hydrogen imports. In order to get more movement in this area, HyXchange is actively involved in the discussion and activities to develop the certification, together with the market parties.
The HyXchange initiative is currently working on the following projects:
- A pilot in hydrogen certificates (guarantees of origin) in preparation for the introduction at the end of 2022
- Simulation of a hydrogen spot market with storage, balancing and price dynamics (incl. game and dispatch simulation)
- Exploration of a price index product
- Development of a standard H2-trading contract
- Active participation in policy development (EU COM, Netherlands, NW-Europe)
Read more about these projects and the latest developments on our “Projects page”.
Bert den Ouden, project director
The founding parties of the HyXchange Initiative have appointed Bert den Ouden as project director. Bert den Ouden is responsible for the further development of HyXchange, its various products and projects and actively participates in European/International discussions on furthering efficient trade in hydrogen and its derivatives.
Bert den Ouden is known for his role (1999-2013) as CEO and founder of energy exchange APX-ENDEX in the Netherlands, Belgium and England, where he was also active in shaping the trade in electrical interconnectors, and the establishment and development of gas markets. Prior to that, he was a policy specialist on energy transition and energy liberalization/regulation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and was a consultant on heating networks and wind energy, among other things. Bert is also known for his role as expert at the energy practise of Berenschot.
Drs. Bert den Ouden, director
The founding parties of the HyXchange Initiative have appointed Bert den Ouden as director. Bert den Ouden is responsible for the further development of HyXchange, its various products and projects and actively participates in European/International discussions on furthering efficient trade in hydrogen and its derivatives.
Previously Bert was managing director at the energy practise of Berenschot (2013-2020). Bert den Ouden is also known for his previous role (1999-2013) as CEO and founder of energy exchange APX-ENDEX in the Netherlands, Belgium and England, where he was also active in shaping the trade in electrical interconnectors, and the establishment and development of gas markets. Prior to that, he was a policy specialist on energy transition and energy liberalization/regulation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and was a consultant on heating networks and wind energy, among other things.
