Electriq and Zenith Energy Terminals have signed an agreement to build a plant in the Port of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to produce a solid hydrogen carrier.

Dubbed Electriq Powder, the carrier is said to act like daily used detergent powder by simplifying storage, transport and use of hydrogen in last mile, off-grid and backup applications.

Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partners could see the production of green hydrogen using renewable energy generated by Zenith’s on-site wind turbines.

The powder features ‘superior’ safety and energy density compared to compressed and liquified hydrogen, according to Electriq. The release of hydrogen from the powder and conversion into electricity is done through a proprietary, compact release unit.

Baruch Halpert, Executive Chairman and CEO of Electriq, said, “The plant is the first of its kind in the world and will serve our customers in the Benelux market.

“The Netherlands is an early adopter of hydrogen as the fuel of the 21st century, and we see this Electriq Powder plant as a key enabler to leverage this in innovative, safe and industrial manner.”

Electriq is an end-to-end safe hydrogen solution provider, developing circular green fuel solutions for the clean energy market. Incorporated in Australia, it operates in the EU from the Netherlands, with its R&D centre in Israel.

The company is currently working on further expanding its powder manufacturing capacity to drive its planned expansion into worldwide markets, by creating similar partnerships in other geographical locations.

Koen Overtoom, CEO Port of Amsterdam, said, “The Electriq Powder plant is a great example of the ongoing energy transition in our port towards a sustainable fuel hub.”

Last year (2022), the Port of Amsterdam is set to gain a 500MW green hydrogen plant in a step towards the region’s hydrogen economy, in an attempt to decarbonise mobility and industry.