Decarbonizing the energy sector to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 poses challenges, especially for regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel extraction. Groningen, a region highly dependent on gas extraction, faces significant socio-economic and spatial challenges. This thesis examines a strategy for Groningen based around the energy transition. The strategy includes repurposing the current energy infrastructure, placing renewables, regenerating nature, and shifting land-use change, all contributing to a new green economy for Groningen. Three scenarios are developed based on a set of different values. These scenarios present alternative futures and highlight areas with spatial competition. Different claims on the same space necessitate choices and smart design solutions. The strategy combines the three scenarios and shows a possible design outcome. An important aspect of the scenarios and strategy is to inform the local communities. Engagement strategies and proposals for more inclusive governance are developed, specifically focusing on marginalized groups, who are often most affected by the transition. This thesis aims to enhance knowledge about the energy transition in the context of Groningen and to promote more inclusive governance.

The Earth is experiencing an increase in global surface temperature due to a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly caused by the production of fossil-fuel-based energy using non-renewable resources. The heavy industries, predominantly comprising refineries, are the primary contributors to these emissions. As the primary source of energy for these industries is also fossil-fuel-based, the European Green Deal emphasizes the need for an energy transition. However, renewable energy production requires a large area, and the current energy grids are overloaded due to the lack of energy storage possibilities. A potential solution to the storage issue could be the implementation of green hydrogen. As refineries are expected to be decommissioned soon, hydrogen plants could be established in their locations, repurposing the existing infrastructure of pipelines and storage facilities. These plants would enable circular energy systems, converting hydrogen to energy using the green hydrogen production method of electrolysis, and vice versa, using fuel cells. Moreover, these redevelopments could be implemented on a larger scale, resulting in the creation of a hydrogen backbone in the Eurodelta, connecting the industrial clusters within this area and making the energy system more resilient. For the execution of a hydrogen energy system in the Netherlands, a strategy has been proposed that involves a centralized main hydrogen production and storage zone in the Port of Rotterdam, including new industries with hydrogen input and future high energy-consuming industries. Renewable energy production would be installed using offshore vertical-axis wind turbines and onshore horizontal-axis wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and biomass. This approach would also allow for the introduction of additional green areas, improving working conditions and air quality for the re-educated industrial workforce. In addition, a second strategy involves the implementation of a decentralized energy system in an agricultural landscape in the Municipality of Zutphen. These exemplary areas can be used as models to implement this idea in similar regions across Northwest Europe. Future research could focus on technological innovations, economic feasibility, and additional limitations of the introduction of hydrogen energy systems, ensuring the return of industries as new green hubs.