The REFORMERS project has been awarded the 2025 World Hydrogen Award in the “Clean Hydrogen Project” category, recognising its pioneering role in creating Europe’s first Renewable Energy Valley in Alkmaar and Heiloo, the Netherlands. The award was presented during the World Hydrogen 2025 Summit & Exhibition held at the Rotterdam Ahoy.
Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, REFORMERS brings together 28 partners from 10 European countries to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies and establish a resilient, decentralised and sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. The award celebrates the project’s innovative contributions to regional energy autonomy and climate neutrality.
Europe’s first renewable energy valley
At the heart of the initiative is the REFORMERS Flagship Energy Valley, a 4 km² site in Alkmaar and Heiloo that supports over 300 business facilities and 3,000 households. This Renewable Energy Valley serves as a real-world demonstration of how green hydrogen can power local communities and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It also acts as a blueprint for six Replication Valleys across Austria, Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.
Breakthrough hydrogen technologies
Two breakthrough technologies are driving the success of the REFORMERS Flagship Valley:
- HYNOCA®, a low-carbon hydrogen production process developed by Haffner Energy, converts residual biomass into hydrogen through patented thermolysis technology. It relies on local organic waste and operates independently of seasonal biomass fluctuations. HYNOCA® is already commercially available in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and North Rhine-Westphalia via Busser Project & Technology Development.
- Zinc Intermediate Step Electrolysis (ZZE), developed by German start-up STOFF2, enables 24/7 green hydrogen production using renewable energy stored in solid zinc. This innovative solution ensures a continuous hydrogen supply even when solar or wind power is unavailable, helping to relieve grid pressure and optimise energy use.
Together, these technologies enable the flexible, on-demand supply of low-carbon hydrogen for regional use, including hydrogen refuelling stations operated by NXT Mobility. By 2026, the system will deliver mobility-grade hydrogen while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
A scalable model for Europe’s energy transition
The REFORMERS model offers a scalable, circular approach to regional energy resilience. It shows how local green hydrogen supports industry and households, advancing energy independence and net-zero goals.
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Author: Serena Fabbrini – Deep Blue
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