A groundbreaking project is set to develop a gaseous hydrogen import facility in Rotterdam.
- Global Energy Storage (GES) and Provaris Energy aim to establish the world’s first bulk-scale hydrogen terminal.
- Prefeasibility studies will assess the viability of new compressed hydrogen carriers and necessary infrastructure.
- Plans include a hydrogen grid connection to bolster supply to major industrial users in Europe.
- The collaboration strives to support Europe’s energy transition with an efficient green hydrogen supply.
In a pioneering initiative, Global Energy Storage (GES) from Singapore and Provaris Energy of Australia are collaborating to introduce a novel gaseous hydrogen import facility at the Port of Rotterdam. This ambitious venture is hailed as the world’s first at such a bulk scale, aiming to transform the way hydrogen is transported and supplied in Europe.
The two companies have commenced prefeasibility studies focusing on the technical and economic aspects of accommodating the H2Neo compressed hydrogen carriers, designed by Provaris. The studies will examine vital components such as jetty facilities, scavenging compression, storage, and crucial connections to the hydrogen grid. The comprehensive assessments also consider the risks, safety protocols, emissions, and necessary environmental permits, all pivotal to the realisation of this project.
Significantly, Provaris advanced its H2Neo hydrogen carrier through a critical design approval process in December 2022, first marking an essential milestone for the project’s progress. Currently, the construction and testing of a prototype tank is ongoing in Norway, anticipating the final construction go-ahead expected by mid-2024. This methodical approach seeks to ensure reliability and efficiency in the hydrogen supply chain.
The strategic collaboration follows GES’s acquisition of a section of the Stargate Terminal in the Europoort area of Rotterdam. GES has detailed plans to develop over 20 hectares within the port, optimising it for renewable energy storage, including biofuels and various forms of hydrogen. The terminal is set to facilitate the import of both refrigerated ammonia and compressed hydrogen, enhancing intermodal transfers via barges, rail, trucks, and distribution through the H2 grid, known as HyNetwork.
HyNetwork, managed by a subsidiary of Gasunie, is ambitiously developing a national hydrogen pipeline in the Netherlands to interconnect five industrial clusters. These clusters will link hydrogen supply to users nationwide and across borders, promising competitive and sustainable energy solutions by 2030.
Provaris will focus on the maritime transportation of hydrogen using its specialised H2Neo carriers, while GES will manage the infrastructure for offloading and channeling the hydrogen into the European grid. This strategic partnership is driven by a shared commitment to accelerating the transition to green energy. As GES CEO Peter Vucins noted, the collaboration highlights the pursuit of partnerships to support energy transition efforts. Meanwhile, Provaris CEO Martin Carolan expressed enthusiasm for achieving a breakthrough in large-scale gaseous hydrogen imports for industrial use in Europe.
The momentum in hydrogen infrastructure development is exemplified by Mott MacDonald’s recent contract with Gasunie. The consultancy will explore offshore and onshore hydrogen compressor infrastructures, further cementing the Netherlands as a leader in green hydrogen initiatives.
This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in Europe, advancing the hydrogen ecosystem.
