The Netherlands has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, positioning green hydrogen as a key energy vector in this transition. However, adoption remains slow due to high costs, fragmented collaboration, and unclear demand structures. My project, HySynth, was developed to address these challenges using data visualization and geospatial analysis to provide stakeholders with clear, actionable insights.
Issuer
TU Delft
Team
Yallaling Naik
Deliverables
Master Thesis
Roles
Researcher, Design Strategy, UX Design, Business Analysis
Research Quesitons
Q1 - What are the main challenges industries in the Netherlands face in transitioning to renewable hydrogen?
A - Answered through trend and thematic analysis
Q 2- How can stakeholders leverage strategic partnerships to overcome the challenges of transitioning to renewable hydrogen?
A - Design of a LHN concept
Q3 - How can we enhance collaboration between stakeholdersto increase investment in hydrogen infrastructure?
A - Design and development of data visualisation tool
A - Answered through trend and thematic analysis
Q 2- How can stakeholders leverage strategic partnerships to overcome the challenges of transitioning to renewable hydrogen?
A - Design of a LHN concept
Q3 - How can we enhance collaboration between stakeholdersto increase investment in hydrogen infrastructure?
A - Design and development of data visualisation tool
Process
I followed an iterative design process using the Double Diamond model, progressing from research and problem definition to concept development and refinement. Each phase incorporated stakeholder insights, qualitative analysis, and iterative feedback.
1
Discovery Phase: Researched the hydrogen energy ecosystem through expert interviews and publicly available datasets on emissions, industries, and infrastructure in the Netherlands.
2
Problem Definition: Analyzed stakeholder pain points and synthesized insights to define the core problem, using qualitative and grounded theoretical research.
3
Design Exploration: Developed multiple concepts, iterated based on feedback, and narrowed them down to the most viable solution.
4
Finalization & Feedback: Designed the final solution, ensuring it was contextual yet adaptable, and gathered feedback from target users for future improvements.
Trend and Thematic Analysis
Understanding the future of hydrogen infrastructure requires a combination of trend research and thematic analysis. By examining market trends, policy frameworks, and emerging technologies, I identified key barriers and opportunities in hydrogen adoption. Through qualitative thematic analysis, insights from stakeholder interviews were categorized into three main themes, revealing challenges like high costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy uncertainty. This structured approach provided data-driven foundations for developing visualization tools that help stakeholders navigate the hydrogen transition strategically.
1. Infrastructure & Market Challenges
1.1 The “Chicken and Egg” Problem
Challenge: Hydrogen suppliers hesitate to invest in infrastructure without guaranteed off-takers, and off-takers hesitate without reliable supply.
Example: Hydrogen-powered ships will not be built if refueling stations do not exist.
Challenge: Hydrogen suppliers hesitate to invest in infrastructure without guaranteed off-takers, and off-takers hesitate without reliable supply.
Example: Hydrogen-powered ships will not be built if refueling stations do not exist.
Quote: “They don’t want to invest without a commitment that the infrastructure will be there.”
1.2 High Cost of Green Hydrogen
Challenge: Production costs are 3-5x higher than fossil fuels, driven by electricity prices and infrastructure needs.
Impact: Hydrogen currently costs $10/kg, making it economically unfeasible for most industries.
Challenge: Production costs are 3-5x higher than fossil fuels, driven by electricity prices and infrastructure needs.
Impact: Hydrogen currently costs $10/kg, making it economically unfeasible for most industries.
Quote: “If the pricing isn’t right, hydrogen won’t fly.”
1.3 Storage & Transport Constraints
Challenge: Hydrogen pipelines require modifications to existing natural gas infrastructure.
Solution Considered: Salt caverns for large-scale hydrogen storage, but high capital costs limit adoption.
Challenge: Hydrogen pipelines require modifications to existing natural gas infrastructure.
Solution Considered: Salt caverns for large-scale hydrogen storage, but high capital costs limit adoption.
Quote: “We have the luxury of existing pipelines, but modifications are necessary.”
2. Market Competition & Policy Uncertainty
2.1 Lack of a Green Hydrogen Market
Challenge: No standardized pricing model or trading mechanism for green hydrogen.
Potential Off-Takers: Refineries and ammonia producers have the highest potential for early adoption.
Challenge: No standardized pricing model or trading mechanism for green hydrogen.
Potential Off-Takers: Refineries and ammonia producers have the highest potential for early adoption.
Quote: “The green hydrogen market doesn’t even exist yet.”
2.2 Competition from Blue Hydrogen & Electrification
Challenge: Blue hydrogen (fossil-fuel-based with carbon capture) is cheaper and competes for funding.
Alternative Trend: Some industries are opting for direct electrification instead of hydrogen.
Challenge: Blue hydrogen (fossil-fuel-based with carbon capture) is cheaper and competes for funding.
Alternative Trend: Some industries are opting for direct electrification instead of hydrogen.
Quote: “Why invest in hydrogen when you can electrify instead?”
3. Need for regional collaborative effort
3.1 Strategic Partnerships for Risk Mitigation
Solution Considered: Encouraging supplier-off-taker collaborations and government-backed partnerships.
Key Concept: A localized approach rather than waiting for a national market to stabilize.
Solution Considered: Encouraging supplier-off-taker collaborations and government-backed partnerships.
Key Concept: A localized approach rather than waiting for a national market to stabilize.
Quote: “Strategic collaboration will be the key to scaling hydrogen.”
3.2 The Role of Localized Hydrogen Networks (LHN)
Concept: Regional hydrogen hubs (Local Hydrogen Networks) allow infrastructure to scale gradually while balancing supply and demand.
Transitional Strategy: Blending hydrogen with natural gas to allow stepwise adoption.
Concept: Regional hydrogen hubs (Local Hydrogen Networks) allow infrastructure to scale gradually while balancing supply and demand.
Transitional Strategy: Blending hydrogen with natural gas to allow stepwise adoption.
Quote: “We should focus on localized solutions rather than waiting for a national market.”
3.3 Complex Regulations & Unclear Incentives
Challenge: RED III mandates that 42% of industrial hydrogen must be renewable by 2030, but government incentives remain unclear.
Result: Permitting delays and investor uncertainty.
Challenge: RED III mandates that 42% of industrial hydrogen must be renewable by 2030, but government incentives remain unclear.
Result: Permitting delays and investor uncertainty.
Quote: “We need clearer financial incentives to make hydrogen viable.”
Findings From Data Analysis
To construct meaningful maps and visual insights, I analyzed open-source datasets from multiple sources, including:
• MIDDEN Database (Dutch industrial emissions & hydrogen usage)
• IEA Hydrogen Projects Database (Global hydrogen project status & investment trends)
• Geospatial Data from Government & Energy Reports
• Emissions data from European Space Agency
How This Data Helped Shape the Concept:
1. Identifying Key Hydrogen Producers & Consumers – The MIDDEN database helped pinpoint major industrial sites currently using or considering hydrogen, shaping the Dot Distribution Map.
2. Mapping Future Hydrogen Hubs – IEA data revealed emerging hydrogen projects and investments, forming the basis of Heatmaps to highlight key growth areas.
3. Analyzing Regional Hydrogen Adoption – By comparing energy transition commitments across municipalities, I designed a Choropleth Map to indicate regions where hydrogen adoption is most viable.
4. Optimizing Infrastructure Planning – Using existing gas pipeline maps, I developed Hexagonal Grid Maps to visualize where new pipelines should be built or repurposed for hydrogen transport.
This data-driven approach ensured that the maps were not just visual elements but actionable tools for stakeholders to plan and invest in hydrogen infrastructure effectively.
• MIDDEN Database (Dutch industrial emissions & hydrogen usage)
• IEA Hydrogen Projects Database (Global hydrogen project status & investment trends)
• Geospatial Data from Government & Energy Reports
• Emissions data from European Space Agency
How This Data Helped Shape the Concept:
1. Identifying Key Hydrogen Producers & Consumers – The MIDDEN database helped pinpoint major industrial sites currently using or considering hydrogen, shaping the Dot Distribution Map.
2. Mapping Future Hydrogen Hubs – IEA data revealed emerging hydrogen projects and investments, forming the basis of Heatmaps to highlight key growth areas.
3. Analyzing Regional Hydrogen Adoption – By comparing energy transition commitments across municipalities, I designed a Choropleth Map to indicate regions where hydrogen adoption is most viable.
4. Optimizing Infrastructure Planning – Using existing gas pipeline maps, I developed Hexagonal Grid Maps to visualize where new pipelines should be built or repurposed for hydrogen transport.
This data-driven approach ensured that the maps were not just visual elements but actionable tools for stakeholders to plan and invest in hydrogen infrastructure effectively.
Key Challenges
1. High costs – Green hydrogen is significantly more expensive than fossil fuels.
2. Lack of market incentives – Suppliers and buyers hesitate due to financial uncertainty.
3. Fragmented collaboration – No unified approach to infrastructure development.
4. Data complexity – Stakeholders struggle to access and interpret industry data.
5. How might we enable collaboration between stakeholders to accelerate the development of green hydrogen infrastructure?
2. Lack of market incentives – Suppliers and buyers hesitate due to financial uncertainty.
3. Fragmented collaboration – No unified approach to infrastructure development.
4. Data complexity – Stakeholders struggle to access and interpret industry data.
5. How might we enable collaboration between stakeholders to accelerate the development of green hydrogen infrastructure?
Stakeholder map with primary, secondary and tertiary stakeholders
Stakeholders involved
1. Suppliers: Companies that produce and supply renewable hydrogen
2. Off-takers: Companies and factories that consume hydrogen
3. Policymakers and local governments
4. Transmission and Distribution partners (TSO & DSO)
5. Energy providers: Electrolysers need renewable energy to create green hydrogen.
6. Technical partners: Companies that design and manufacture electrolysers, and other technology needed for generation and
transmission of hydrogen.
7. Ports: Ports will be importing green hydrogen from overseas to
fulfil the deficit.
8. Countries that export hydrogen to the Netherlands
2. Off-takers: Companies and factories that consume hydrogen
3. Policymakers and local governments
4. Transmission and Distribution partners (TSO & DSO)
5. Energy providers: Electrolysers need renewable energy to create green hydrogen.
6. Technical partners: Companies that design and manufacture electrolysers, and other technology needed for generation and
transmission of hydrogen.
7. Ports: Ports will be importing green hydrogen from overseas to
fulfil the deficit.
8. Countries that export hydrogen to the Netherlands
Local Hydrogen Networks (LHNs)
Localized Hydrogen Networks (LHNs) offer a practical approach to accelerating the transition to green hydrogen by creating regional hubs where hydrogen production and consumption are closely aligned. By clustering hydrogen suppliers, industrial off-takers, and infrastructure developers within specific geographic areas, LHNs reduce logistical inefficiencies, lower costs, and encourage strategic partnerships. Unlike a large-scale, national hydrogen market that requires extensive infrastructure investment upfront, LHNs provide a scalable and flexible solution that can evolve based on local demand and available resources.
Example of a hypothetical LHN based around Tata Steel factory in the Netherlands
Understanding Hydrogen network and ecosystem Through Visual Data
Analyzing hydrogen infrastructure involves complex spatial and numerical data. Traditional reports fail to communicate these insights effectively, leading to misalignment between stakeholders. Interactive maps and geospatial analysis allow policymakers, investors, and industrial planners to see the real-time status of hydrogen supply and demand, infrastructure gaps, and investment opportunities.
Data visualization plays a critical role in planning, optimizing, and managing LHNs by transforming complex datasets into actionable insights. Interactive maps and spatial analysis tools help:
• Identify Ideal Locations – By mapping existing hydrogen supply sources, industrial demand hubs, and energy infrastructure, stakeholders can pinpoint the best locations for new LHNs.
• Optimize Infrastructure Planning – Geospatial tools help assess where pipelines, storage facilities, and distribution points should be placed for maximum efficiency.
• Monitor Regional Demand & Growth – Heatmaps and trend analysis highlight emerging hydrogen adoption zones, allowing stakeholders to adjust investment strategies dynamically.
• Facilitate Stakeholder Collaboration – By providing a visual representation of supply-demand dynamics, data visualization fosters dialogue between policymakers, investors, and energy providers, ensuring that LHNs are built where they are most viable.
Through interactive geospatial tools, HySynth enables decision-makers to explore different scenarios, simulate future hydrogen demand, and optimize infrastructure placement, making the transition to localized hydrogen networks more strategic, data-driven, and cost-effective.
Data visualization plays a critical role in planning, optimizing, and managing LHNs by transforming complex datasets into actionable insights. Interactive maps and spatial analysis tools help:
• Identify Ideal Locations – By mapping existing hydrogen supply sources, industrial demand hubs, and energy infrastructure, stakeholders can pinpoint the best locations for new LHNs.
• Optimize Infrastructure Planning – Geospatial tools help assess where pipelines, storage facilities, and distribution points should be placed for maximum efficiency.
• Monitor Regional Demand & Growth – Heatmaps and trend analysis highlight emerging hydrogen adoption zones, allowing stakeholders to adjust investment strategies dynamically.
• Facilitate Stakeholder Collaboration – By providing a visual representation of supply-demand dynamics, data visualization fosters dialogue between policymakers, investors, and energy providers, ensuring that LHNs are built where they are most viable.
Through interactive geospatial tools, HySynth enables decision-makers to explore different scenarios, simulate future hydrogen demand, and optimize infrastructure placement, making the transition to localized hydrogen networks more strategic, data-driven, and cost-effective.
HySynth
HySynth is an online digital platform designed to use data visualisation tools to help stakeholders comprehend trends in the Dutch hydrogen ecosystem. The primary aim is to simplify complex data for users, regardless of their expertise. By leveraging visualisations, the tool assists stakeholders in understanding hydrogen consumption and production trends, fostering collaboration in building new infrastructure, creating supply and demand partnerships, and establishing local networks for hydrogen, heat, and oxygen trade.
types of Maps used
1. Dot Distribution Map –
Mapping Hydrogen Supply & Demand
Displays locations of hydrogen suppliers, off-takers, and infrastructure.
Helps planners find potential off-taker clusters to reduce risk.
2. Choropleth Map –
Hydrogen Adoption Per Municipality
Color-coded visualization of hydrogen readiness and adoption levels across regions.
Helps policymakers focus funding in high-priority areas.
3. Grid Maps (Hex & Square)
Optimizing Pipeline Planning
Allows planners to see possible routes for hydrogen transportation.
Hexagonal grids ensure uniform spatial coverage for demand analysis.
4. Heatmap
Identifying High-Potential Hydrogen Hubs
Highlights regions with the highest density of industrial off-takers.
Enables more targeted investment in infrastructure development.
Mapping Hydrogen Supply & Demand
Displays locations of hydrogen suppliers, off-takers, and infrastructure.
Helps planners find potential off-taker clusters to reduce risk.
2. Choropleth Map –
Hydrogen Adoption Per Municipality
Color-coded visualization of hydrogen readiness and adoption levels across regions.
Helps policymakers focus funding in high-priority areas.
3. Grid Maps (Hex & Square)
Optimizing Pipeline Planning
Allows planners to see possible routes for hydrogen transportation.
Hexagonal grids ensure uniform spatial coverage for demand analysis.
4. Heatmap
Identifying High-Potential Hydrogen Hubs
Highlights regions with the highest density of industrial off-takers.
Enables more targeted investment in infrastructure development.
Dot Distribution Map
Choropleth Map
Grid - Square
Grid - Hex
Heatmap
