Lochem Pilot Project: Lessons from a real-world hydrogen neighbourhood

In a recent webinar, IGEM received an exclusive update on the Lochem pilot project, a real-world demonstration of hydrogen in domestic heating. The project in the Netherlands has provided valuable insights into how hydrogen can safely integrate into existing distribution networks while maintaining comfort, safety, and community trust.

Over three years, households received hydrogen for heating and hot water, without disruption to comfort or safety.

During the webinar, Bart Vogelzang from Alliander emphasised that the success of the project was primarily down to the positive attitudes of the community. Hydrogen was accepted in practice because the community understood the project, contributed to discussions, and remained engaged throughout.

“What we learned is that the residents value the freedom to make their own judgements,” Bart said. He summarised that trust and understanding are critical for achieving real-world progress.

The project showed that when people are able to understand the purpose, see the safety measures applied, and participate in shaping the transition, confidence grows. One of the key outcomes was that residents remained comfortable and felt safe living with hydrogen day-to-day. This experience has now informed new commercial projects in Deventer and Amsterdam, further strengthening real-world evidence for hydrogen deployment.

Lochem provides a valuable reference point for system operators preparing for the wider energy transition. It demonstrates that hydrogen can be integrated into domestic settings using existing networks, while maintaining the trust and agency of the communities involved.

There is still work to do. Cost remains a barrier that must be addressed before this can be scaled more broadly. However, the Lochem project proves that hydrogen can work in practice, and that communities can play an active and positive role in shaping this future.

Members can watch the full webinar on IGEMtv.