The Hystream Battery is a modular, white-label product designed to produce green hydrogen using surplus photovoltaic and wind energy. The system comprises a battery, electrolyser, compressor, storage tank, and optional features such as a heat exchanger and dispensing unit, aiming to be easy to permit and install. This study investigates the technical and economic feasibility of the Hystream Battery through a make-and-adapt iterative methodology, addressing technological, economic, and regulatory aspects. Each iteration allows for further improvements to be researched.

The research shows that the Hystream Battery is technically feasible and can compete economically with conventional hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming, especially when supported by subsidies like the OWE program. In terms of Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), the Hystream Battery is also competitive with large-scale green hydrogen systems. For instance, while large-scale (>20 MW) systems have an LCOH of €13.69 (Eblé & Weeda, 2024b), the Hystream Battery, when evaluated using the same TNO model, achieves a lower LCOH of €12.36.

When evaluated under varying input conditions and grid configurations, the Hystream Battery proves to be economically viable within a defined operational range. In a stand-alone setup where the grid is used solely for standby, the system achieves a Net Present Value (NPV) above €1,000,000 and a Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) around €11/kg when powered by a balanced input ratio of 1:1.6:1.6 (grid:PV:wind). A PV input between 1.3 and 2.5, and wind input between 1.3 and 1.7, define the viable operational window. Systems without wind input consistently return negative NPVs.

When the grid is used actively, up to a maximum input of 1500 kW, the system becomes significantly more favorable, with LCOHs dropping below €9/kg across all PV and wind input ratios. In this scenario, higher PV capacities correlate with increased NPVs, and electricity curtailment is reduced to below 5% at input ratios as low as 1:1.5:0. Additionally, system economics improve as wind input decreases. These results align closely with the energy profile of Dutch business parks, which often feature high rooftop PV potential, grid constraints, and multiple hydrogen-consuming stakeholders such as transport operators, thermal energy users, and industrial feedstock consumers.

Regulatory challenges, particularly those related to permitting, were identified as key obstacles to fast market deployment. The preparation of accurate and comprehensive documentation and studies for environmental authorities is essential to expedite the approval process, potentially reducing permitting timelines from 26 to 8 weeks. Furthermore, the inclusion of features like a heat exchange module enhances system efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions by replacing gas-based heating with recovered waste heat.

By analysing system configurations, market potential, and regulatory requirements, this thesis concludes that the Hystream Battery holds significant promise for advancing the hydrogen economy in the Netherlands. The system supports local hydrogen production, mobility applications, and renewable energy integration by reducing grid congestion, contributing to reduced energy dependence and the broader energy transition.