Belgium at the forefront in Europe’s hydrogen mobility revolution

Demonstration of hydrogen in heavy-duty transport

Spa Francorchamps – At the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium signalled its ambition to lead Europe’s hydrogen mobility transition. During a dynamic showcase, Cluster Tweed, Virya Energy and Colruyt Group unveiled concrete steps to scale green hydrogen for heavy-duty transport, showcasing real-world applications and collaboration across the entire hydrogen value chain.

Demonstration of hydrogen in heavy-duty transport

The event featured live demonstrations of hydrogen-powered trucks operating under real conditions, emphasizing the technology’s readiness for demanding logistics applications. Attendees, including industry representatives, policymakers, and mobility stakeholders, gained firsthand insight into the operational capabilities of hydrogen vehicles and the infrastructure supporting them.

Virya Energy’s hydrogen leadership

As a pioneer in green hydrogen production in Belgium, Virya Energy plays a key role in developing the country’s hydrogen ecosystem. Since 2007, the company has built strong expertise in hydrogen development and today stands at the forefront of producing sustainable hydrogen at industrial scale through water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. This clean technology, which releases only water and oxygen, embodies the potential of hydrogen as a pivotal force in the energy transition, offering versatile solutions across multiple sectors.

Virya Energy’s first green hydrogen plant, Hyoffwind, located in Zeebrugge, will be operational in 2026. The project represents a cornerstone in building a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure, supplying renewable hydrogen to multiple sectors, including transport.

Complementing production, Virya Energy is actively expanding its network of DATS 24 hydrogen refuelling stations across Belgium, bridging the gap between hydrogen generation and practical application. This infrastructure enables the use of green hydrogen to power logistics operations, fuel public transport, and support energy storage solutions. Through these initiatives, Virya Energy demonstrates how sustainable hydrogen can drive comprehensive decarbonisation, particularly in sectors where traditional electrification faces limitations due to constrained grid capacity, delivering a fully integrated hydrogen value chain from production and storage to real-world mobility.

“ Hydrogen isn’t a distant ambition, it is today’s reality. Across Belgium, Virya Energy is building the links between production, infrastructure, and application, proving that green hydrogen is a driving force in the country’s sustainable energy transition.” – Paul Tummers, CEO Virya Energy

Colruyt Group’s Zero Emission Transport (ZET) programme

Colruyt Group reaffirmed its commitment to achieving zero-emission freight transport across its entire logistics chain by 2030. Through its Zero Emission Transport (ZET) programme, the company is pioneering the decarbonisation of its logistics activities.

As part of the European H2Haul project, Colruyt Group is the first Belgian retailer to deploy 44-tonne hydrogen trucks for daily logistics operations. These hydrogen-powered trucks mark an important step towards the company’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in heavy duty transport to zero.

“Hydrogen transport is gaining ground as a strong alternative to electric, driven by momentum in heavy-duty logistics. Colruyt Group is committed to transitioning part of its 44-tonne fleet to hydrogen trucks.” – Stefan Goethaert, CEO Colruyt Group

Collaboration driving market readiness

The synergy between Virya Energy and Colruyt Group brings together the strengths of an energy producer and an end-user, overcoming the “chicken and egg” dilemma of hydrogen adoption: aligning supply with demand. Together, they demonstrate tangible progress in moving hydrogen from concept to reality.

Between 2026 and 2027, Virya Energy’s green hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure will enable Colruyt Group to reach its 2030 Zero Emission Transport goals, proving that coordinated efforts across industries are key to unlocking the hydrogen economy.

Vedran Horvat

Responsable Relations Publiques et Presse DATS 24 / Virya Energy, Virya Energy

• vedran.horvat@virya-energy.com
• +32 471 63 82 01

About Virya Energy

Virya Energy, a Belgian pioneer in sustainable energy solutions, was founded in 2019 through the strategic partnership of Colruyt Group and its majority shareholder Korys. Operating across the full sustainable energy value chain, the company covers activities from production to distribution, with its distribution activities managed through its subsidiary DATS 24.

Virya Energy’s portfolio encompasses strategic investments across wind and solar energy, sustainable hydrogen development, energy distribution, and specialized energy industry services. With over two decades of experience in onshore wind energy starting in 1999, and a pioneering role in sustainable hydrogen since 2012, Virya Energy has built extensive expertise in renewable energy development

The company’s “fit for purpose energy” strategy enables the delivery of tailored energy solutions from production to end-users, driving forward the acceleration of the energy transition and the development of innovative technologies.