The Port of Rotterdam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the McGowan Government in Western Australia, agreeing to collaborate on the development of the hydrogen supply chain.
Under the MoU, both parties will work together to investigate the renewable hydrogen export supply chain between Western Australia and the Port of Rotterdam. This includes production, storage, transport, and the use of renewable hydrogen.
The Government and the port will also collaborate on opportunities to exchange information relating to policy, regulation, and technology developments.
“The McGowan Government is committed to making sure Western Australia reaches its potential and becomes a global supplier of renewable hydrogen,” said Alannah MacTiernan, Hydrogen Industry Minister for Western Australia.
“We have already committed A$160 million ($113.52 million) to support the development of a renewable hydrogen industry in Western Australia, including the A$117.5 million ($83.56 million) announced last week to attract Federal Funding for renewable hydrogen hubs in the Pilbara and Mid-West.
“Through this MoU, we will gain a better understanding of the hydrogen export supply chain between Western Australia and the Port of Rotterdam, and what we need to do to make sure the State is an exporter of choice for Europe.”
Allard Castelein, CEO for the Port of Rotterdam, added “At this moment, 13% of the total energy demand of the European Union enters the EU via the Port of Rotterdam. This energy will gradually shift from fossil to green energy. We estimate that by 2050, 20 million tons of hydrogen will be handled in Rotterdam annually, of which 90% will be through imports. The Port of Rotterdam is pro-actively trying to facilitate this shift by stimulating the development of new international supply chains of hydrogen.
“Although the distance between Australia and Europe may seem far, the excellent local conditions such as the amount of sunshine, wind, availability of space and investment climate in Western Australia can lead to a competitive hydrogen product delivered to the Northwest European market.
“This new energy from ‘down under’ distributed via Rotterdam’s terminals and hydrogen backbone, could further help decarbonise Europe’s industries and society as a whole. This is important to both stop climate change as well as for the long-term sustainability of businesses and the economy.”
The Port of Rotterdam Authority previously entered into an agreement with energy company Uniper for developing the production of green hydrogen at the Uniper location on Maasvlakte. Announced in September 2021, the agreement has been laid down in an MoU and is a major milestone in the further development of the hydrogen value chain in the Rijnmond region.
