The Port of Rotterdam is moving forward with hydrogen initiatives
The Port of Rotterdam and Chile have signed an agreement to explore ways to eventually lead to the supply of green hydrogen to Europe, H2Bulletin reports.
Europe is currently exploring ways to decarbonise its industries and see hydrogen as a panacea, whereas Chile wants to use its renewable energy to become the leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen.
The Port of Rotterdam has been playing a key role in powering Europe, whereas around 13% of the region’s energy pass through Rotterdam. The MoU between the two countries can pair the supply and demand for hydrogen by sharing information, taking joint initiatives and collaborating on projects.
Juan Carlos Jobet, Chile energy minister, said that its country wants to produce the cheapest green hydrogen in the world by 2030 and be among the top three exporters by 2040.
In a separate development (announced 17th March), the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Gasunie (a Dutch natural gas infrastructure and transportation company operating in the Netherlands and Germany) are also discussing developing a new hydrogen exchange pipeline project called ‘HyTransPort.RTM’. The discussion is in the final stage, and the decision will come out later this year. If the plan goes ahead, the project will come online in the second quarter of 2024.
The plan is to build a new pipeline connecting Maasvlakte and Pernis through a 60 cm diameter pipeline. The line will be open access and will be used by any company in the areas for consumption or even for supply of its own hydrogen.
The line will be linked to the national hydrogen grid in the future, including connecting with Chemelot in Limburg, Germany, and other countries in Europe. Shell has already shown keen interest in joining HyTransPort.RTM and currently discussing the various aspects of the plan. Among other hydrogen projects, Shell is developing an electrolyser at Maasvlakte for hydrogen production. The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Gasunie are also seeking other companies interest as launching customers before the 10th April. Both partners are also in talks with government authorities for funding.
