NWO and the National Growth Fund’s GroenvermogenNL programme are making €20.3 million available to make the nitrogen-based chemical industry more sustainable. This will fund the scientific research required for the use of hydrogen and green electrons in the chemical sector.
Nitrogen-based chemicals are essential in, among other things, fertilisers, refrigerants, medicines and plastics. The chemical industry is one of the largest users of fossil raw materials and accounts for a significant share of global CO2 emissions. For example, the production of fertiliser from natural gas accounts for 5% of the Netherlands’ demand for natural gas. Renewable hydrogen could replace this demand. This development will enable the Dutch chemical industry to become more sustainable, whilst also remaining competitive.
The funded project is called 'HyNITROGEN', which implies 'Green Nitrogen Valorisation Technologies for Sustainable Energy, Fertilisers, and Chemicals'. DIFFER is one of the consortium partners, together with many other research institutes, universities, and companies. At DIFFER, dr. Süleyman Er (department head Chemical Energy) and dr. Mihalis Tsampas (group leader Catalytic and Electrochemical Processes for Energy Applications) are involved. An overview of all consortium partners can be found on the NWO website. The expected starting date of the project is 1 October 2026.
About the project
HyNITROGEN develops energy-efficient, low-carbon technologies that convert renewable electricity into storable chemical energy, helping to combat climate change. The project accelerates flexible routes to green ammonia and other nitrogen products, enabling long-term energy storage and transport and reducing CO₂ emissions from the fossil-based Haber–Bosch value chain.
Innovations are scaled up from the lab to early pilots (TRL 2–6) with clear commercialization pathways for fuels, fertilizers, and sustainable chemicals. In addition, nitrogen is recovered from dilute wastewater streams without the use of chemicals, enabling circular use of fertilizers.
Text: NWO, DIFFER
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