Hydrogen as a Key Link in the New Energy System

From electrons to molecules

To understand why hydrogen is gaining importance, it is necessary to look at how the energy system itself is changing. The energy transition has broken open the old model in which large centralized power plants continuously supplied electricity. That system has been replaced by a more dynamic structure based on solar and wind energy. According to insights from the International Energy Agency, the global energy challenge is shifting from production to flexibility. Energy is increasingly available, but not always at the right moment.

This is where hydrogen enters the picture. When there is excess electricity, for example during sunny midday hours, that power can be converted into hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen can then be stored and used later in industry, transport, or electricity generation when demand increases.

In this way, the energy system is evolving from a purely electrical network into a hybrid system where molecular storage plays a growing role.

The sun that produces too much

Solar energy is one of the main drivers of the energy transition. In the Netherlands, installed capacity continues to grow rapidly, both on rooftops and in large-scale solar parks. However, this growth reveals a structural imbalance. Solar production peaks at times when demand is relatively low. During midday, households consume less electricity and many businesses operate at reduced load. As a result, the grid experiences periods of oversupply.

In theory, this surplus energy should be stored. In practice, that is not simple. Batteries offer a solution, but only for short durations. Once they are full, the system reaches its limit. When imbalances last longer than a few hours or even extend across seasons, the challenge becomes significantly larger.

Hydrogen provides an alternative route. Instead of wasting surplus electricity or curtailing production, energy can be converted into a gas and stored at scale. This creates a buffer far beyond what batteries alone can provide.

Batteries and hydrogen: not competitors but partners

In many discussions, batteries and hydrogen are presented as competing technologies. In reality, they serve different functions within the energy system. Batteries respond quickly. They stabilize the grid within seconds and are ideal for short-term balancing of supply and demand. Hydrogen operates on a different timescale. It is slower, but capable of storing much larger amounts of energy over longer periods. The difference is not only technical but functional. Batteries manage short-term fluctuations, while hydrogen handles long-term energy shifts, from days to seasons.

Research from TNO highlights that the combination of both technologies is essential for a fully resilient renewable energy system. No single solution can address all challenges alone.

Electric mobility and additional pressure on the grid

The rise of electric mobility adds another layer of complexity. Charging stations are being deployed rapidly in residential areas, logistics hubs and commercial locations. They draw significant power, often at the same time as other peak loads. While batteries and EMS help manage these peaks, hydrogen can play a complementary role in reducing pressure on the grid. Instead of relying entirely on electricity for all transport segments, part of heavy mobility could shift toward hydrogen-based solutions.

This is particularly relevant for heavy-duty transport and logistics, where fast refueling and long range are critical.