Hydrogen distribution in the Netherlands: Addressing Ambiguities in the regulatory framework

IF 9.2 2区经济学 Q1 ECONOMICS

Energy Policy Pub Date : 2025-08-04 DOI:10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114794

Renske van ‘t Veer , Hidde Meijer , Zofia Lukszo , Mahshid Hasankhani , Amineh Ghorbani

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a key solution for decarbonizing the Dutch energy system, particularly within the industrial sector. A national hydrogen network is under development to serve the five major industrial clusters in the Netherlands. However, meeting the hydrogen needs of the industries outside these clusters, which are collectively known as “Cluster 6”, remains difficult. Regulatory unclarity and ambiguity around the hydrogen distribution infrastructure, including restrictions on distribution system operators (DSOs), compound these challenges. This study investigates the complex and evolving regulatory landscape for hydrogen distribution across Cluster 6 in the Netherlands using a two-step approach of Institutional Network Analysis (INA) and stakeholder interviews. Findings outline possible pathways for delegating distribution responsibilities in current and future regulatory frameworks while stakeholders report structural and outcome uncertainty, limiting their willingness to invest in hydrogen distribution initiatives. The research findings highlight the need for a more coherent regulatory and technical framework to support more effective development of physical hydrogen systems. Policy recommendations include clarification of distributor roles, targeted support mechanisms, and flexible regulations that can adapt to the rapidly developing hydrogen market.

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荷兰的氢气分布：解决监管框架中的模糊性

氢越来越被认为是荷兰能源系统脱碳的关键解决方案，特别是在工业部门。一个国家氢网络正在开发中，以服务于荷兰的五个主要工业集群。然而，满足这些集群（统称为“集群6”）之外的工业对氢气的需求仍然很困难。围绕氢气分配基础设施的监管不明确和模糊，包括对分配系统运营商（dso）的限制，加剧了这些挑战。本研究采用制度网络分析（INA）和利益相关者访谈的两步方法，调查了荷兰第6集群氢气分布的复杂和不断变化的监管环境。研究结果概述了在当前和未来的监管框架中分配责任的可能途径，而利益相关者报告了结构和结果的不确定性，限制了他们投资氢气分配计划的意愿。研究结果强调需要一个更连贯的监管和技术框架，以支持更有效地开发物理氢系统。政策建议包括明确经销商的角色，有针对性的支持机制，以及能够适应快速发展的氢市场的灵活法规。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Energy Policy 管理科学-环境科学

CiteScore

17.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

540

审稿时长

7.9 months

期刊介绍： Energy policy is the manner in which a given entity (often governmental) has decided to address issues of energy development including energy conversion, distribution and use as well as reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in order to contribute to climate change mitigation. The attributes of energy policy may include legislation, international treaties, incentives to investment, guidelines for energy conservation, taxation and other public policy techniques. Energy policy is closely related to climate change policy because totalled worldwide the energy sector emits more greenhouse gas than other sectors.