Innovative Hydrogen Carrier Launched by Dutch Firms in Oman
Collaboration in Green Hydrogen Technology
In a significant advancement for the green hydrogen sector, two Netherlands-based companies, H2-Fuel and HydroFlexx, have partnered to introduce a novel hydrogen carrier aimed at addressing the various challenges related to the storage and transportation of green hydrogen. This development holds particular importance for emerging hydrogen producers like Oman, which is looking to establish itself in the global green energy landscape.
Unveiling H2Easy at Green Hydrogen Summit
The new hydrogen storage and transport solution, named ‘H2Easy’, was highlighted during the Green Hydrogen Summit Oman (GHSO) 2025 held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). During the event, both Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven, CEO of H2-Fuel, and Sander Castel, CEO of HydroFlexx, announced plans for a full merger of their firms, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. This merger aims to accelerate the commercialization of what they describe as a groundbreaking hydrogen carrier.
Key Features of H2Easy
Central to the H2Easy concept is sodium borohydride, a commonly used industrial chemical. It boasts several benefits as a hydrogen carrier:
-
High Hydrogen Density: The chemical allows for compact, solid-state storage that is both stable and manageable, mitigating the safety risks associated with compressed or liquefied hydrogen.
-
On-Demand Hydrogen Release: H2Easy can release hydrogen through controlled hydrolysis, providing flexibility for various applications.
-
Safety and Stability: Its non-flammable and non-toxic powder form enables storage and transport at ambient temperatures with minimal safety concerns.
Additionally, the H2Easy system is designed to be circular. Once hydrogen is released, the remaining powder, termed H2Spent, can be regenerated into new carrier material through a proprietary recycling process developed by the companies.
Efficient Logistics with H2Easy
One of the standout features of the H2Easy carrier is its compatibility with standard container vessels for shipping, eliminating the need for specialized hydrogen tankers that can be costly. After the hydrogen is extracted at its destination, the H2Spent material can be returned—potentially back to Oman—where it can be rejuvenated into sodium borohydride. Although this regeneration requires a significant amount of energy, Oman’s abundant renewable energy resources could make the process both affordable and environmentally friendly.
Van Brouwershaven remarked that the H2Easy platform effectively addresses key barriers in global hydrogen trade, such as safety risks and inefficiencies in energy usage. He emphasized that with a stable powder that releases hydrogen through their patented method and can be completely regenerated, they provide a viable solution to transport green hydrogen from production centers like Oman to global demand hubs.
Market Potential and Collaboration Opportunities
HydroFlexx’s CEO, Sander Castel, highlighted the efficiency of the regeneration technology, which allows for effective hydrogen extraction at points of use. He mentioned the potential for circular reuse of the carrier, facilitating safe and scalable hydrogen logistics that can benefit various sectors, including maritime, industrial, and remote power markets—ranging from pilot initiatives to large-scale operations.
According to the developers, H2Easy could be 30-40% more cost-effective than many current hydrogen carriers, including liquid hydrogen, ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). It combines both high volumetric and gravimetric performance with user-friendly handling attributes.
Both H2-Fuel and HydroFlexx are actively seeking strategic investors and partnerships within Oman’s rapidly growing green hydrogen ecosystem. Opportunities for near-term collaboration include developing pilot projects in Oman and securing export corridors within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), facilitating hydrogen bunkering at ports, aiding industrial decarbonization, and establishing large-scale facilities for regeneration and powder production.
This exciting collaboration marks a significant step forward in the journey toward sustainable hydrogen solutions, foregrounding Oman as a key player in the global green energy arena.
