The power of a network
Georg Dura (ZBT): ‘RH2INE is a shining example of European collaboration’
The RH2INE network brings together extensive knowledge about hydrogen. The German research center ZBT (Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik) and the Dutch Expertise and Innovation Centre for Inland Shipping (EICB) each provide support from their own perspectives.
Khalid Tachi, Managing Director of EICB. Photo courtesy of EICB.
The EICB focuses, among other things, on subsidies and regulations, and, like ZBT, contributes to the technological and scientific foundation required to implement hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in inland shipping. Everything comes together in remarkable projects. “Take the knowledge gained from the Letitia, the third hydrogen-powered ship. All of this is shared within the RH₂INE network”, says Khalid Tachi, managing director of the EICB.
According to Tachi, EICB’s role within the RH₂INE network is primarily ‘supporting’. The expertise center is involved in various projects and initiatives that align well with RH₂INE’s network. Tachi highlights projects like Rh₂iwer (Renewable Hydrogen for Inland Waterway Emission Reduction) and Platina4Action in this context. Through Rh₂iwer, six inland vessels are being converted to hydrogen fuel cell technology. This initiative involves 15 European partners, including five shipowners (Future Proof Shipping, Theo Pouw, VT Shipping, DFDS, and Compagnie Fluviale de Transport), along with fuel cell providers like Ballard and Nedstack. Collectively, the participants aim to create a solid foundation to accelerate the transition to sustainable inland vessels powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Missing business case A great deal is happening in the realm of sustainable inland shipping, Tachi observes. “The technology for hydrogen vessels, among other solutions, is already available. Sustainable vessels are operational, and the regulations are being developed. However, the business case is still missing. Apart from a few customers, such as Nike, only a handful of companies are currently willing to pay for sustainable transport.”
The EICB seeks to bridge this gap, or as Tachi puts it, “to get out of the ‘valley of death.’” The expertise center sees opportunities in subsidy programs like the European Innovation Fund, which subsidizes not only hardware investments but also the operational costs of sustainable fuels, as well as CET (Clean Energy Transition). The Innovation Fund is one of Europe’s largest subsidy programs for companies and consortia working on innovative, low-carbon technologies. A key aspect of the Platina4Action project mentioned earlier is forming a consortium to apply for this fund.
Currently, the inland shipping sector has not taken advantage of such funding because it’s unfamiliar, new, and the application process is complex. This is precisely where the EICB can support the sector.
Call to action Tachi: “We are currently in the exploratory phase. We have identified the technologies, including hydrogen and battery- electric systems. Biofuels and methanol are also viable options for sustainable transport. Moreover, we are working on identifying the relevant stakeholders, such as Future Proof Shipping, HTS, Zero Emission Services (ZES), and other inland shipping companies. We warmly invite anyone with ambitions in sustainable inland shipping to join us. Together, we can form a consortium to submit a joint subsidy application.”
The rules for subsidy applications under the Innovation Fund and CET must also be clarified. Tachi: “We need to understand the rules and engage with the officials in Brussels who oversee them. Do we fully comprehend the guidelines? If all the rules are clear, we can improve the chances of a successful application.”
Some requirements for qualifying for a subsidy include: a commitment to zero emissions, operating in a suitable environment (clients, ports, or waterways), selecting a specific technology, and a willingness to join the consortium. After all, the application is submitted collectively with all partners involved. Tachi: “These are not small projects; they must be large enough to make a real difference. Ultimately, subsidies can cover up to 60 percent of the investment, including operational costs.”
RH2INE • 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144
