Rotterdam port confident on hydrogen pipeline

The Port of Rotterdam is confident that there will be sufficient hydrogen supply and demand to justify the development of its hydrogen pipeline project with Dutch gas system operator Gasunie linking Maasvlakte and Pernis.

The port has said it is going “full speed ahead” with preparations for a hydrogen pipeline within the port, which is planned to enter into operation by the second quarter of 2024.

This is despite Dutch energy regulator ACM’s warning last month not to develop hydrogen infrastructure while future hydrogen demand is still uncertain.

Unlike regulated energy markets elsewhere in Europe, the Dutch regulator has no authority to approve projects, meaning that hydrogen pipeline projects can go ahead regardless of the regulator’s suggestions.

The port authority is in discussion with several firms about connecting planned electrolysers to the hydrogen link.

The first customers for the pipeline would be Shell and Eneco, which are developing a 200MW electrolyser at Maasvlakte. A final investment decision on the project is expected at the end of this year, the port said.

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