The global yet local nature of energy imaginaries: The cases of Dutch and Spanish hydrogen valleys

Abstract

Hydrogen valleys are envisaged (imagined), integrated industrial systems, where hydrogen is produced, stored, and utilized. Here we show how hydrogen valleys as sociotechnical imaginaries are differentiated in terms of their specific configurations, but homogenous in terms of reflecting the interests of large industrial fossil fuel suppliers and consumers. This path dependence is anticipated in sociotechnical transitions theory, which emphasises the power of incumbents with vested interests to maintain basic templates or regimes of production and consumption. The simultaneously heterogeneous and homogenous nature of hydrogen valley imaginaries can be thought of as a form of glocalisation, for which we draw on Roudometof's theory of glocalisation as involving the local refraction of diffusing, global tendencies. To illustrate this, we compare two hydrogen valleys, one in the north of the Netherlands and one in southern Spain. In the north Netherlands, the hydrogen valley imaginary comprises use of offshore windpower to electrolyse hydrogen for transport fuel, and as feedstock to heavy industry in proximate regions, including northern Germany and Belgium. This is consistent with existing gas distribution networks connecting industrial consumers. In the southern Spanish case, the imaginary positions Spain as a major exporter of green hydrogen to the rest of Europe via onshore renewable electrolysis, with export including via ocean tankers and chemical refining in existing infrastructure in Rotterdam. Overall the study explores empirically theoretically-informed themes concerning the interrelationship of mutually supportive local and global imaginaries – hence our term glocalised imaginaries.