Belgium to open two new hydrogen technology research centres
Antwerp and Charleroi will get new hydrogen technology research centres, each with its own specialisation, the federal council of ministers announced on Friday. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026-2027.
Part of the federal hydrogen strategy is to ensure that Belgium plays a pioneering role in hydrogen. The creation of centres of expertise - to be known as VKHyLab - fits into that framework. The lab will be run by the Von Karman Institute (VKI). They are supported by the 16.2 million euro recovery and investment plan.
The first centre will be on a 2.2-hectare site in the Next Gen District of the Port of Antwerp. It will focus on petrochemicals, transport, molecule storage and compression, offshore energy production and combustion engines for maritime transport.
The second centre will be on a 2.5-hectare site in the Cleantech District in Charleroi. That will focus on production by electrolysis or plasma analysis, combustion for heat production in heavy industry such as steel and cement, and certification of instrumentation.