Enschede crematorium to use hydrogen for first time, moving toward greener funerals

A crematorium in Enschede is set to conduct the Netherlands’ first trial of green hydrogen as a sustainable replacement for natural gas in cremation ovens, according to NOS. The first hydrogen-powered cremation at Crematoria Twente is planned for late 2026.

Rather than building new ovens, one of the current gas ovens will be modified. Hydrogen-powered cremation ovens are being tested internationally. In the UK, Worthing Crematorium has conducted a trial in which an oven ran on green hydrogen for an extended period to cut emissions.

The test is primarily aimed at assessing safety, equipment reliability, and the impact on filtration systems. The initiative receives backing from European subsidies.

Each year, around 100,000 cremations are carried out in the Netherlands, typically fueled by natural gas. Switching to green hydrogen would make the process carbon-neutral.

This project is part of a broader move toward greener funerals, alongside options like natural burials, biodegradable caskets, and the upcoming method of resomation (body dissolution in liquid). Families will be notified beforehand, allowing them to opt for this environmentally friendly alternative.

Studies in Twente indicate that current cremation ovens can be adapted for hydrogen, making the concept applicable to other crematoria across the Netherlands, where natural gas is still the primary fuel. With roughly 115 crematoria nationwide, most still dependent on gas, the sector holds substantial potential for greening.

Crematoria Twente is looking into plans to generate its own green hydrogen. Using existing solar panels on their property, they intend to power an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting fuel.