The Challenge 

Energy production by means of sustainable energy sources is inherently intermittent and fluctuating. This results in an offset in energy demand and energy production. This offset causes the electricity grid to be overloaded so much that these sustainable energy sources are temporarily disconnected, wasting the green energy. The congestion problem restricts energy sources from being connected to the grid. This problem is especially prevalent in the agricultural sectors. Farmers with large stables cannot put solar panels on their roofs, prohibiting them from generating additional income, and severely limiting the sustainable energy generation in the Netherlands, and internationally.

The Solution

The solution is storing the energy in hydrogen. SHIFT is developing a small-scale energy system that converts the solar energy into hydrogen which can then be used for various purposes in sectors such as mobility, agriculture, energy, and industry. The stored hydrogen functions as an energy buffer, solving the offset problem and relieving the strain on the energy grid. With SHIFT’s energy system, everyone can put solar panels on their roofs, using their sustainable energy production to its full potential. Such an energy system also enables the decentral production and storage of green hydrogen, kickstarting the hydrogen transition.

The Mission

SHIFT is kickstarting the use of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier by developing a complete small-scale hydrogen energy system. Initially, this will be done in the agricultural sector, in collaboration with farmers, and will be powered by the solar panels on their roofs. By using hydrogen as the storage solution, we create new partnerships with companies that require green hydrogen, also making use of the waste heat that is produced. By creating this system, we aim to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier.

This project is being coached by