The port of Rotterdam, together with the companies operating at the Dutch port and exporting countries, can supply Europe with 4.6 million tonnes of hydrogen a year by 2030, the port said on Tuesday.
The estimate is based on “specific projects and realistic plans, which companies and exporting countries are now working on.”
The proposal, supported by about 70 companies and exporting countries, has been presented to EU climate change commissioner Frans Timmermans.
The expected volume includes 0.6 million tonnes of local production by 2030 from projects for around 2.5 GW of electrolysis powered by North Sea wind power that could produce 0.25 million tonnes of green hydrogen plus a project to produce low-carbon hydrogen from refinery gas.
Green hydrogen could also be imported from locations with more sun, wind and space, from Southern Europe and North Africa to Australia and Latin America.
“Using sustainable hydrogen substantially contributes to the European objectives of reducing climate change and increasing Europe’s energy independence,” said Port of Rotterdam Authority chief executive Allard Castelein.
The plans are in line with REPowerEU, where the targetted production and import of hydrogen is increased fourfold compared to the Fit for 55 package, to 20 million tonnes from 5.6 million tonnes.
According to the parties, there are two important conditions for the hydrogen economy to take off -- certification of green hydrogen and bridging the cost gap between renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and their carbon dioxide (CO2)-emitting alternatives.
At the same time, the Australian state of Queensland on Wednesday announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the port of Rotterdam to partner on opportunities to develop a hydrogen export supply chain.
“The port of Rotterdam has a target to import up to 20 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2050, starting with imports of ammonia in 2025,” noted Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni.
Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!
