Den Helder ranks first in the Netherlands when it comes to the number of companies that have registered
is engaged in energy innovations. This is evident from research by Innovatiespotter, which has
looked at which municipalities have relatively the most companies active in energy innovation.
According to Innovatiespotter: “Den Helder leads the rankings with the highest relative innovation score on
the field of energy. Thanks to its maritime location and cooperation within the region, the
municipality has developed into an important hotspot for energy innovations.” (Source: Innovatiespotter,
October 2025).
Strategic location by the sea
The municipality of Den Helder is proud of this recognition. It shows that the city and the region are fully committed
are moving. Many companies are working on new solutions for sustainable energy, such as
hydrogen and offshore wind. The coastal location plays a major role in this. The seaport, airport and
Knowledge ports (including METIP) together form a strong foundation for innovation. In these three ports
Companies, knowledge institutions and government work daily on new energy solutions.
Port of Den Helder and Den Helder Airport play an important role in this as a connecting link
between entrepreneurs, maritime companies and the energy transition in the North Sea.
Innovations in the field of Hydrogen
A good example of this collaboration is the structural support of companies in
developing hydrogen solutions. This is done, among other things, through the Hydrogen North program
Holland Noord, which focuses on building complete hydrogen chains – from production and storage
to distribution and use. These initiatives are partly the result of the Regional Deal Maritime Cluster Kop van
North Holland, in which the municipality, province, national government and companies work together to strengthen the region in
the field of maritime and energy innovation.
“We are extremely proud of this number 1 position,” said Port Councillor Fotigui Camara. “In Den
We work together every day with fellow authorities, companies and knowledge partners on smart solutions
Clean energy solutions. If we want to be at the top in 2040, we must continue
investing in our ports, in innovative companies and in well-trained technical talent. Only together
can we really make the energy transition a reality?”
VNO-NCW Noordwest-Holland, as representative of the regional business community, works closely
together with the municipality and entrepreneurs to strengthen the innovative power of the region. Chairman
Hans Huibers also reacts positively to the news: “The strength of Den Helder lies in collaboration.
The municipality, companies and education reinforce each other and that is reflected in this result.”
Looking ahead
In the coming years, Den Helder wants to continue building a strong, sustainable economy. The municipality
continues to provide space for innovative companies and initiatives in the field of energy. This way, Den
Helder is the place where knowledge, innovation and practice come together.
About the research
Innovatiespotter examined 6,500 companies in the Netherlands that are active in energy innovations.
Helder tops the list of municipalities with relatively the most of these types of companies.
(Source: Innovatiespotter, “Where are the most companies with energy innovations located in relative terms?”, October 2025).
