Circular Electrolyser Solutions in the Netherlands

Client: Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

Features: The report ‘Circular Electrolyser Solutions in the Netherlands’ (only available in Dutch as ‘Circulaire Oplossingen voor Elektrolysers in Kaart’) outlines the trends, opportunities, and challenges related to circularity within the Dutch electrolysis sector. The study highlights which circular innovations are currently under development, the actors involved, the technological maturity of these solutions, and the enabling conditions required to drive breakthroughs and scale‑up.

The analysis is based on extensive desk research and interviews with twenty stakeholders across the full value chain — from OEMs and suppliers to start‑ups and knowledge institutions. This broad approach, combined with an in‑depth assessment, provides a representative picture of the current state of play and the steps needed toward 2035.

Companies increasingly recognise the strategic value of circularity, but at present prioritise scaling, cost reduction, and commercialization. Circularity is often addressed implicitly, for example through material reduction, life‑extension strategies, or design choices that simplify maintenance and repair. The Dutch manufacturing sector has a strong starting position, is innovative and willing to collaborate — yet key enabling conditions for further development and scale‑up are still missing. These include standardised design requirements, accessible testing and validation facilities, suitable financial instruments, and stronger collaboration between SMEs and major OEMs.

With targeted policy support, the Netherlands can position itself as a European frontrunner in circular electrolyser technology. The recommendations include:

• Establish targeted and accessible subsidy schemes, especially for SMEs and start‑ups
• Expand the national test and validation capacity
• Strengthen collaboration across the entire value chain, from component manufacturers to system developers and end‑users
• Boost industrial competitiveness and stimulate innovation within the Netherlands and the EU
• Facilitate circular design and circular business models
• Promote standardisation of design and operational conditions

With clear direction, a phased approach, and strong collaboration between government, knowledge institutions, and industry, the Netherlands, supported by its innovative manufacturing sector, can play a leading role in circular electrolyser technology.

Download the full report (Dutch) here

Or visit the official RVO publication, which will include an interview with our colleague and project lead, Samira Farahani (Dutch).

About Ekinetix
Ekinetix supports governments and companies with advisory services across the energy transition. We operate throughout the entire value chain:

• Hydrogen, LNG, CO₂, and system integration
• Production, processing, distribution, storage, transport, and end‑use
• Sectors: energy, mobility, industry, and the built environment

We work with extensive technical know-how, a systems perspective, and a creative approach. This enables us to deliver advice and solutions that anticipate the practice of tomorrow.

Completion: Q4 2025