Exploring liquid hydrogen shipping from Portugal to The Netherlands

Hydrogen

The Netherlands – The feasibility of producing, liquifying, and shipping green hydrogen from Portugal to the Netherlands, where it would then be stored and distributed for sale, has been agreed upon by Shell New Energies, Engie, Vopak, and Anthony Veder.

The consortium wants to electrolyze hydrogen using renewable energy in the Sines port’s industrial zone. The hydrogen is then liquefied and transported to the port of Rotterdam via a liquid hydrogen carrier for distribution and sale. By 2027, a first shipment of liquid hydrogen is expected to be delivered from Sines to Rotterdam.

This development is supported by major industry players in the heavy duty, marine, and aviation sectors because it is in line with their goal of decarbonizing operations. It is necessary to increase customer confidence in liquid hydrogen. An efficient way to do this is through the use of policy instruments that cover cost increases for end users. These tools are essential for expanding liquid hydrogen production, lowering production costs, and driving infrastructure growth throughout the entire supply chain.

Collaboration

Shell and Engie will work together within the consortium along the entire value chain, with Anthony Veder and Vopak’s involvement concentrating on shipping, storage, and distribution. With the potential to scale up over time, they will first evaluate the feasibility of producing, transporting, and storing about 100 tonnes per day.

Portuguese and Dutch governments have increased their shared ambition for hydrogen production and transportation. The signing of an MoU in 2020 is the first step in this feasibility study. Furthermore, at the Rotterdam World Hydrogen Summit in May 2022, Portugal and the Netherlands reaffirmed their shared objectives.

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