Hydrogen for monumental buildings in Lochem
Client: Westfalen Gases The Netherlands
Characteristics:
In Lochem, we designed and realised a demonstration project with hydrogen in the built environment. Hydrogen is seen as a possible solution for homes and buildings that are difficult to make sustainable. In Lochem it is therefore tested in practice for broader application later. These listed buildings are not suitable for sufficient insulation.
Hydrogen can be burned in a central heating boiler in a similar way to natural gas. Thereby it can serve the heating demand as a one-to-one replacement. In addition, it can be used in hybrid heat pumps.
In this project in Lochem, Ekinetix is the designer and system integrator of the hydrogen feed-in installation. This ranges from the supply and storage of the hydrogen by trailer, to pressure reduction and odorisation to the controlled feed into the local network of the grid operator Alliander. After this, the hydrogen is fed into homes by grid operator Alliander and used in central heating boilers.
Ekinetix's responsibilities include project management, design of the overall installation, permitting process, supplier selection, civil works, construction and commissioning. Ekinetix provides this technical expertise to gas supplier Westfalen Gassen Netherlands. Westfalen will supply the hydrogen gas and operate the plant.
What are the novelties of this project?
- For the first time globally, hydrogen will be supplied to existing and occupied homes.
- It is the first time that houses of nearly 100 years old are being switched to hydrogen.
- In addition, Ekinetix has developed a unique odorisation system together with Gavilar, which has been applied worldwide for the first time. This odorisation system is more widely applicable and provides a blueprint for further developments in this sector.
These kinds of projects only become a success in close cooperation with project partners. Initiators in Lochem are grid operator Alliander, LochemEnergie and Westfalen Gassen.
Oplevering: planned Q4 2022
