REFORMERS Project Wins World Hydrogen Award in “Clean Hydrogen Project” Category
STOFF2’s Zinc Intermediate Step Electrolysis Recognized for 24/7 Green Hydrogen Innovation
We are thrilled to announce that the REFORMERS project has been awarded the prestigious World Hydrogen Award in the category Clean Hydrogen Project. This award recognises the collaboration of 28 partners across 10 European countries united in their mission to develop Europe’s first Renewable Energy Valley in Alkmaar and Heiloo (Netherlands). It is the result of a comprehensive review of the project by a jury of experts and a vote by the global hydrogen community that gathered at the largest hydrogen conference in the world in Rotterdam.
As part of REFORMERS, STOFF2 will demonstrate its Zinc-Zwischenschritt Electrolysis (ZZE) technology at InVesta’s Center of Expertise in Alkmaar. This innovative electrolyser system stores renewable energy as solid zinc, allowing the production of green hydrogen continuously, even when renewable electricity is scarce. In doing so, STOFF2’s ZZE can relieve grid pressure, optimise energy usage, and ensure a 24/7 clean hydrogen supply.
Our partner technologies in the project, such as Hynoca’s® biomass-to-hydrogen process, complement this goal with a negative carbon hydrogen solution that fits very well within a resilient, decentralized energy system. Jointly, both technologies will supply hydrogen to local industrial users and refuelling stations, proving that clean, flexible, on-demand hydrogen production is a reality in 2026. The hydrogen will be used at a 350 and 700 bar hydrogen filling station in Alkmaar operated by NXT Mobility, directly linking innovation with practical application in mobility.
Sebastian Sipp (STOFF2, CEO): “Winning the World Hydrogen Award is a powerful validation of our approach. At STOFF2, we believe that green hydrogen must be both sustainable and reliable. With our Zinc-Zwischenschritt Electrolysis, we are showing that 24/7 on-demand green hydrogen supply is feasible, while at the same time mitigating pressure on the electricity grid. REFORMERS allows us to test and prove this in the real world.”
Bob Busser (Hynoca® by Haffner Energy / HyDevCo, managing director): “This award highlights the value of resilient hydrogen technologies for a net-zero industry. At Hynoca, we turn sustainable biomass into Low Carbon hydrogen. Thereby, our innovative technology requires only 25% of the electricity of an electrolyser while delivering considerable negative carbon emissions. In REFORMERS, we demonstrate how our solution can work at scale hand in hand with a range of partners and customers. Together with STOFF2, we offer a glimpse into a resilient renewable hydrogen future for Europe.
Joep Sanderink (New Energy Coalition, Flagship Valley Coordinator): “REFORMERS represents the essence of European collaboration for a clean energy future. We are proud to coordinate this project and are deeply impressed by the technologies it brings together. STOFF2’s electrolyser and Hynoca’s biomass process are both highly flexible and sustainable—two core requirements for future energy systems. This award recognizes not only technological innovation, but also the strength of European cross-border cooperation.”
About REFORMERS (Regional Ecosystems FOR Multiple Energy Resilient Systems)
The Horizon Europe project REFORMERS is an innovation program aimed at supporting major energy hubs (‘energy valleys’) in Europe, where renewable energy is locally produced and consumed by citizens, light industry, and businesses. REFORMERS has a five-year duration.
Project Partners: AIT, Duurzaam Heiloo, CERTH, CIRCE, KONIN-MIASTO, DDS, EUREC, NAPE, RISE, TNO, Deep Blue, Municipality of Andorra (S), TU Delft, Municipality of Kozani (GR), Municipality of Murau (AT), Alliander, Municipality of Alkmaar, HVC, Hynoca Alkmaar, InVesta, Sustenso Boekelermeer, Repowered, Withthegrid, NXT MOBILITY, STOFF2, EMPA, VU Brussels (Project Coordinator), and New Energy Coalition (Flagship Valley Alkmaar Coordinator).