WAviatER

Project WAviatER (WAterstofproductietechnologie voor de Aviation sector en Energietoepassingen op Regionaal niveau) is a collaborative initiative within the Hydrogen Valley of the Northern Netherlands. With funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a consortium comprising companies, knowledge institutions, and Groningen Airport Eelde focuses on developing small‑scale, sustainable electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen for aviation and ground applications.

We are ready!

This project is complete and will not be updated further. For questions, please contact the project manager.

Objectives

  • Developing a small‑scale, scalable, and cost‑efficient electrolyzer that produces green hydrogen using sustainable electricity.
  • Implementing a proof of concept at Groningen Airport Eelde.
  • Contributing to the development of the Northern Netherlands hydrogen ecosystem within the broader European “Hydrogen Valley” ambition.

Project Details

Start date: March 2022

Completion: June 2024

Lead Partner: Demcon

Funding: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

WAviatER constortium

Project Results

  • A scalable and automated production base was designed and developed. 
  • A prototype electrolyzer (TRL 7) was installed and tested at Groningen Airport Eelde.

Everyone is studying green hydrogen, but here in the Northern Netherlands people are collaborating to develop concrete products. We have found ourselves in a warm environment, with New Energy Coalition as the architect of Hydrogen Valley and driving force of the energy transition, supported by companies and knowledge institutions that are genuinely committed to hydrogen. The airport demonstrates its value to the region by serving as an engine for this development.

Toon Hermans

Managing director Demcon energy systems

Role of Groningen Airport Eelde

Groningen Airport Eelde acts as facilitator by providing the pilot test location. The airport offers the physical space and operational capabilities for installing and demonstrating the electrolyzer in a realistic aviation setting. Additionally, the airport plays a vital connecting role between public and private parties, research institutions, and technology firms, thereby stimulating the development of sustainable aviation applications in the Northern Netherlands.